(Photo by Tim Nwachukwu/Getty Images)
Magic Johnson had a strong rivalry with the Boston Celtics during his NBA career, but he can respect the team when they are doing well.
That’s what happened on Thursday night, as the Celtics took down the Dallas Mavericks in Game 1 of the NBA Finals.
Following that win, Johnson hopped on Twitter to celebrate their victory and the man who made it all possible: Kristaps Porzingis.
“Kristaps Porzingis was the key to the Celtics win tonight! He ignited their offense, scoring 10 points off the bench in the first quarter, and finishing out the game with 20,” Johnson tweeted.
Kristaps Porzingis was the key to the Celtics win tonight! He ignited their offense, scoring 10 points off the bench in the first quarter, and finishing out the game with 20. Five other Celtics followed his lead – Brown (22 points), Tatum (16 points), White (15 points), Holiday…
— Earvin Magic Johnson (@MagicJohnson) June 7, 2024
Johnson also praised multiple other Celtics stars, saying, “Five other Celtics followed his lead – Brown (22 points), Tatum (16 points), White (15 points), Holiday (12 points) and Horford (10 points).”
Johnson is right to honor Porzingis’ work because it was a giant part of the team’s Game 1 win.
His 20 points off the bench were very encouraging, especially because he had just missed weeks of playing because of an injury issue.
Although Boston fans were elated to hear that Porzingis was coming back for Game 1, they weren’t sure just how much he’d be able to play or how productive he would be.
His 20 bench points prove that he was beyond ready to get back to work as quickly as possible.
Porzingis is obviously feeling good so what can he do in Game 2 and beyond?
Will he immediately return to the starting five in the next game or remain on the bench as he completely heals?
He is undoubtedly going to be a major part of the team’s plans moving forward and Game 1 showed why.
All season long, fans have said that Porzingis would be key to the team’s success in the postseason and now he is proving them right.
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