A major boost for Boston was the return of Kristaps Porzingis, who had missed eight consecutive games due to illness. Despite his absence, he made an immediate impact, leading the Celtics with 24 points in 32 minutes, while Jayson Tatum added 20 points, eight rebounds, and eight assists.

Porzingis had hoped to return to the Celtics’ lineup sooner than he did. He previously teased on social media that he was going to play in the Celtics’ game against the Lakers on March 8, but he wound up sitting that day.

The Boston Celtics big man provided some insight into the illness that saw him miss eight consecutive game for the reigning champions.