Boston Celtics center Kristaps Porzingis. David Butler II-Imagn Images

Kristaps Porzingis has surprising admission about losing to Knicks

Originally posted on Larry Brown Sports
By Renzo Pocholo Salao | Last updated May 17, 2025 9:06 AM ET

Kristaps Porzingis had mixed emotions after his Boston Celtics' season ended at Madison Square Garden in New York City.

Porzingis has been dealing with a mysterious illness that sapped his effectiveness throughout the Celtics-Knicks second-round series. On Friday, the Latvian came off the bench and played just 11 minutes in Boston’s 119-81 loss in Game 6.

With New York coasting to an easy series-clinching win, the rabid Knicks fan base chanted to support its players all game. Not too long ago, Porzingis was among the players Knicks fans were showering with similar cheers.

Porzingis was asked about the Knicks fan base after the game.

“Honestly, the support from the Knicks fans was through the roof tonight and all throughout the playoffs,” Kristaps told reporters. “Unbelievable fans, unbelievable city, and there’s a side of me that’s very, very happy for them. I wish them nothing but the best.”

"The support from the Knicks fans was through the roof tonight and all throughout the playoffs. Unbelievable fans, unbelievable city and there's a side of me that's very very happy for them"

– Kristaps Porzingis pic.twitter.com/x3zPbEVcUb
— Knicks Videos (@sny_knicks) May 17, 2025

Porzingis emerged as a potential franchise player for the Knicks during the mid-2010s. The sweet-shooting shot-blocker dubbed “The Unicorn” had fans believing anything was possible then. But injuries and internal squabbles eventually pushed Porzingis to push for a trade away from New York.

Porzingis later ended up in a terrific situation in Boston, becoming an integral piece to their championship puzzle during the Celtics’ 2024 title run. But in an alternate universe, perhaps Porzingis could have been the man to lead the New York hoops renaissance instead of Jalen Brunson.

This article first appeared on Larry Brown Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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