The Celtics have been playing shorthanded and limited through the first 17 games, their offense running on six of eight cylinders. But Porzingis’s return unlocks so many aspects of their offense.
His presence gives them more of a defensive presence and the Celtics are now whole. A team that was top 2 without Porzingis are now No. 1 with him, and the Los Angeles Clippers never stood a chance in a 126-94 Boston win at TD Garden.
Not only were the Celtics running plays they hadn’t all season, they were playing with a freeness and comfort not seen since last season.
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Without Porzingis, the Celtics are still good enough to win the East and reach the Finals. With him, they are the favorites.
Porzingis scored 16 points with 6 rebounds and 2 blocked shots in 22 minutes, 37 seconds. His season debut after missing the first 17 games because of ankle surgery couldn’t have transpired any better.
He protected the rim. Took some shots — and gave some also — against Clippers burly center Ivica Zubac, and his floor-spreading brought another element to the Boston offense.
The Celtics’ second period was a masterpiece. They scored 51 points with a record 12 3-pointers and 70.8 percent shooting, building a 29-point halftime lead against a team that had beaten the Philadelphia 76ers by 26 points the night before.
All of those threes weren’t a byproduct of Porzingis’s presence, but there is no coincidence that one of the Celtics most dominant offensive performances occurred with him on the floor.
“When I’m out there, I can create more space; this is the obvious stuff,” he said. “My shooting ability creates more space. Rim protection, I wanted to bring that and make sure we’re at a good level there.
“Honestly just play my game. These guys were looking for me early to try to get me going as they always are. Just grateful to be back out there.”
Porzingis scored six buckets — a 3-pointer, putback, two lobs, a midrange jumper, and a driving dunk. His teammates were constantly seeking him for easy baskets or using his spacing ability to score on their own.
He underwent surgery June 27 for a dislocation of the tendon in his left ankle and was expected to miss five to six months. He said he’s been completely healthy for the past few weeks, but the team was cautious with his return considering his injury history.
Early Monday afternoon, the Celtics announced he was probable to play, and coach Joe Mazzulla inserted him in the starting lineup.
Porzingis is a fan favorite at TD Garden, and he received a raucous ovation when introduced — and when he knocked down that first 3-pointer on the pass from Tatum. And he got an instant indoctrination back to the NBA by pounding with Zubac, who then was forced to run out on Porzingis at the 3-point line.
“It was very natural for me to be back out there in the starting lineup,” he said. “But honestly, I didn’t shoot the ball well. That kind of matchup for me, these guys just play one pick-and-roll and I’m wide open to shoot a three. I didn’t knock it down tonight (he was 1 of 6 from 3-point range), but those kinds of games are a lot of times the points come very easy to me.
“I can definitely improve, but the second half I turned up the physicality with him even more and we were having more success.”
There is a definite joy and enthusiasm around the team when Porzingis is present. He always acknowledges the fans when he walks onto the floor for pregame workouts or prior to the starting lineup. The Celtics faithful appreciate his efforts because he was one of the keys to winning title No. 18, especially since he played on essentially one leg during the NBA Finals.
His sacrifices are appreciated by his teammates. He worked feverishly hard to return earlier than expected, and his presence gives the Celtics the league’s best offense.
Prior to the game, Clippers coach Tyronn Lue said his team couldn’t get discouraged after the Celtics hit threes in bunches. But there was little they could do when Boston made 12 of 17 in the second period.
The Clippers were rendered helpless. The Celtics were finally all together again.
“I think we are a different team with KP out there defensively, protecting the rim,” forward Jaylen Brown said. “When we’re locked in playing defense like (that second quarter), it’s going to be tough for (opposing) teams.
“I wanted to see KP making an impact on defense. He definitely brings that swagger to our team and that energy, and it was great to have him back out there.”
Mazzulla has yet another tool to work with as the Celtics try to not only match but surpass the exceptional level they reached last season. Of course, Porzingis is not likely to play in back-to-backs, and the team will be careful with his minutes and workload as they prepare for the playoffs.
But his debut was a major success. The Celtics blew out a quality opponent and looked similar to the team that pummeled teams with an overwhelming offense and stingy defense.
Gary Washburn is a Globe columnist. He can be reached at [email protected]. Follow him @GwashburnGlobe.
