The Golden State Warriors debuted new center Kristaps Porziņģis on Thursday night against the Boston Celtics at Chase Center in San Francisco.
The Latvian big man, acquired from the Atlanta Hawks on February 4, scored 12 points on 5‑of‑9 shooting in 17 minutes off the bench. The Warriors lost the post-All-Star break game 121-110, despite the addition of their latest frontcourt option.
Porziņģis had not played since January 7 due to a left Achilles tendon issue and illness before the trade that sent Jonathan Kuminga and Buddy Hield to Atlanta. Warriors coach Steve Kerr said he planned a minute restriction for the 7-foot-3 veteran to ease him back into action. Porziņģis started the second quarter strong but saw his team outscored during his initial shift.
Stephen Curry missed his sixth straight game with persistent right knee pain and swelling, according to team medical staff. An MRI showed no structural damage, but officials ruled him out for at least 10 more days, with re-evaluation planned after that period. Kerr noted the absence puts pressure on the roster, as the Warriors hold a middling position in the Western Conference.
Trade details reshape Warriors frontcourt
Golden State sent young forward Jonathan Kuminga and guard Buddy Hield to Atlanta in exchange for Porziņģis, a move league sources described as a bid for improved spacing and rim protection.
The 30-year-old brings career averages of 19.6 points and strong three-point shooting from deep, pairing well with Draymond Green in the frontcourt. Analysts said the deal ends the pursuit of other big-name targets and focuses on immediate contention.
Porziņģis told reporters he had not enjoyed the season so far amid injuries but looked forward to contributing in the Bay Area. Teammates De’Anthony Melton scored 18 points, while Will Richard and Gui Santos added 17 each in the loss. Boston’s Payton Pritchard led all scorers with 26 points, exploiting Golden State’s defense for 17‑of‑40 three‑point shooting.
The Warriors face the Denver Nuggets on Sunday, their next test without Curry and with Porziņģis still ramping up. Officials expect the new addition to slot into the starting lineup once fully healthy, bolstering a unit ranked third in defensive efficiency this season. Front office executives view the trade as a calculated risk on Porziņģis’s health history for playoff upside.timesofindia.
