Kristaps Porzingis returned to TD Garden on Wednesday night for the first time since the Boston Celtics traded him over the summer, now wearing a Golden State Warriors uniform. The evening was filled with emotion as the home crowd gave him a warm welcome, complete with a tribute video that visibly moved the Latvian big man—despite his earlier claim that he wouldn’t get teary-eyed.
The Celtics rolled to a convincing 120-99 victory over the Warriors, but the postgame conversations centered on the reunion between Porzingis and his former teammates, particularly Jayson Tatum. Tatum, who recently returned from a torn Achilles tendon, shared his appreciation for Porzingis after the game.
“It was cool, man. I miss big fella,” Tatum said. “Happy to see him healthy. Happy to see him out there playing. It was cool to see the reception that he got tonight and his tribute video. It wasn’t that long ago, but those were some good times, and we had some good moments. He’ll forever be a Celtic and remembered for those two years, and obviously, being a big piece of why we won a championship. So, it was cool, and every guy that’s on that championship team, we [are] bonded for life.”
Porzingis, in turn, offered high praise for Tatum’s recovery and performance on the court, noting how seamlessly he appeared to slide back into form. But in a classic teammate ribbing moment, the 7-foot-2 center couldn’t resist a playful jab.
“He looks good, honestly. [His] shot was falling already. He looked like he’s not rusty at all,” Porzingis said with a smile, per CLNS Media. “Just looked a little heavy. I told him he needs to lose a couple pounds, and he’ll be flying again.”
The lighthearted comment highlighted the enduring bond between the two, even after Porzingis’s departure. During his two seasons in Boston, when healthy, Porzingis was a key contributor to the Celtics’ championship run, providing elite spacing, rim protection, and a flair for engaging the crowd with his energetic celebrations.
While injuries and illness limited him at times—most notably in the prior postseason—his impact was undeniable, helping Boston hoist Banner 18. Tatum emphasized that championship connection, underscoring that those shared successes create lifelong ties.
Porzingis has also spoken glowingly about the Celtics’ culture and resilience this season, defying preseason pessimism that predicted a drop-off or even a lottery finish. He expressed confidence in the team’s core—guys like Jaylen Brown, Derrick White, and Payton Pritchard—remaining elite even without his presence.
The playful exchange with Tatum added a fun, human touch to an otherwise emotional night. If Tatum heeds his former teammate’s “advice,” it could only boost Boston’s push as they continue to dominate and aim for the top of the NBA standings. For Porzingis, the reception in Boston confirmed that his time as a Celtic—short but impactful—will always hold a special place.