WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Golden State Warriors arrived in the nation’s capital on Monday night looking to build on the momentum of snapping their five-game losing streak. They left with a 125-117 victory over the Washington Wizards, a much-needed win, and a piece of franchise history courtesy of their newest unicorn.
Kristaps Porzingis delivered his best performance since joining the Warriors, and in doing so, etched his name alongside one of the greatest players in NBA history.
The Unicorn’s Masterpiece
In just 26 minutes of playing time, Porzingis was absolutely dominant. The 7-foot-3 Latvian finished with 30 points, five rebounds, four assists, two steals, and three blocks while shooting an efficient 8-of-13 from the field. He was a force on both ends of the floor, protecting the rim, stretching the defense, and showing exactly why the Warriors acquired him.
It was the kind of performance that reminds everyone why Porzingis was once considered the future of the New York Knicks, why he helped the Boston Celtics win a championship in 2024, and why the Warriors believed he could be the missing piece for their postseason push.
History Made
But Porzingis didn’t just have a great night—he made history.
According to Real App, Porzingis now has the second-most points by a Warriors center in their first five games with the franchise. The only player ahead of him? Wilt Chamberlain.
Yes, that Wilt Chamberlain. The guy who scored 100 points in a single game. The guy who averaged 50 points per game for an entire season. The guy who is arguably the most dominant statistical force in NBA history.
Porzingis has now appeared in five games for Golden State, averaging 17.6 points, 3.8 rebounds, 2.8 assists, and 2.0 blocks per contest while shooting 45.9% from the field. Those numbers are impressive enough on their own. But being mentioned in the same breath as Wilt Chamberlain? That’s rarefied air.
The Impact
ESPN’s Anthony Slater summed it up perfectly: “Kristaps Porzingis delivers his best night since joining the Warriors: 30 points in 25 minutes. Five rebounds, four assists, two steals, three blocks. Major factor in a road win over the Wizards. Snaps a five-game losing streak.”
That losing streak—a season-long five games—had threatened to derail Golden State’s playoff aspirations. With the Western Conference as unforgiving as ever, every win matters. Every performance like this one matters even more.
Porzingis didn’t just contribute; he dominated. And in doing so, he gave Warriors fans a glimpse of what this team can be when he’s healthy and clicking.
The Season So Far
For Porzingis, this season has been a journey. He began the year with the Atlanta Hawks before landing in Golden State. Overall, in 52 games this season, he’s averaging 16.6 points, 4.8 rebounds, 2.7 assists, and 1.4 blocks while shooting 45.0% from the field and 35.2% from three-point range.
Those are solid numbers for a player who has battled injuries throughout his career and has now suited up for six different franchises: the New York Knicks (where he began his career), Dallas Mavericks, Washington Wizards, Boston Celtics, Atlanta Hawks, and now the Golden State Warriors.
At 30 years old, Porzingis is no longer the raw prospect he once was. He’s a veteran, a champion, and now, a Warriors legend in the making—at least when it comes to the record books.
The Warriors’ Position
With the win, Golden State improved to 33-35 on the season. They currently sit as the ninth seed in the Western Conference, 8.0 games back of the sixth seed and 1.0 game back of eighth.
The playoff picture remains murky, but the Warriors are showing signs of life. After the losing streak, they’ve now won two in a row, with Porzingis leading the way.
Next up? A Wednesday night showdown against the Boston Celtics at TD Garden—the same building where Porzingis helped hang Banner 18 just two years ago.
The Boston Connection
There’s something poetic about Porzingis heading back to Boston. He was instrumental in the Celtics’ 2024 championship run, providing the floor-spacing size and rim protection that made Boston nearly unbeatable. Now he returns as a Warrior, facing his former teammates in a game that could have significant playoff implications.
For Porzingis, it’s a chance to show Boston what they’re missing. For the Warriors, it’s an opportunity to prove that they’re not done yet.
The Bottom Line
Kristaps Porzingis was brought to Golden State to be a difference-maker. In just his fifth game with the team, he delivered a performance that will be remembered for years—not just for the win, but for the history.
Second-most points by a Warriors center in their first five games. Only Wilt Chamberlain had more.
That’s the kind of company that separates good players from legends. And if Porzingis can keep this up, the Warriors might just have found their unicorn after all.