No. 1: A healthy Kristaps Porzingis makes all the difference
Most Points Per Possession On Post Ups This Season (Min. 100 Total Post-Up FGA) :
— Stat Defender (@statdefender) April 26, 2024
1. Kristaps Porzingis — 1.30
2. Joel Embiid — 1.14
2. Nikola Jokic — 1.14
4. DeMar DeRozan — 1.13
5. Jayson Tatum —… https://t.co/s1RtbTOu4e pic.twitter.com/NjwhGDOt4l
All signs point to Kristaps Porzingis returning on Thursday night in game 1 of the NBA Finals. The star center gives the Boston Celtics another 20-point-per-game scorer who can take over a basketball game on both ends of the parquet. He's an elite rim protector will deter the Mavs from driving the paint and another big body will prevent second-chance points.
The unicorn's ability to hit the three pointer at 38% percent clip on five attempts a game during the regular season is an absolute luxury. The threat he is on the perimeter will draw out the Mavs big man leaving the paint wide open which is a recipe for destruction. Also, KP was the most efficient post up player in the NBA this past season.
The last area of strength is Al Horford sliding to the bench upon Kristaps Porzingis' return, which will be a huge boost.