Kristaps Porzingis returned to TD Garden as a visiting player for the first time since leaving the Boston Celtics, and the moment brought back a mix of memories and emotions for the 7-foot-2 center.
The Latvian big man spent meaningful time in Boston before being traded last July. Since then, he has experienced a series of changes in a short span, including another trade that eventually sent him to the Golden State Warriors.
Standing again inside TD Garden, Porzingis admitted that the return felt both special and unusual. Wearing another team’s jersey in a place where he once celebrated major moments created a unique emotional experience.
He shared that his memories of Boston extend beyond basketball and include everyday life around the city.
“There were a lot of small moments, even outside of basketball,” Porzingis said. “Just being in the city, having my little spots to go for coffee, just overall, my life here in Boston I really enjoyed it.”
Return to TD Garden Brings Strong Memories
Returning to the arena where he once played regularly reminded Porzingis of the competitive pressure that came with representing a championship-level team.
While he described the experience as demanding, he also acknowledged that those expectations helped create some of the most meaningful moments of his career.
Kristaps Porzingis receives his tribute video from the Celtics ☘️💚
— Celtics on CLNS (@CelticsCLNS) March 18, 2026
–@CLNSMedia pic.twitter.com/YFJvNPZC5c
“Basketball was pretty stressful here, I’m not going to lie,” Porzingis said. “But, it comes with the territory. We wanted to win it all and we did it. I would say the whole package was just special.”
The memories of winning and competing at a high level still hold strong for the veteran center. He also admitted that seeing the arena again instantly brought back positive feelings from that period.
“Some good memories,” Porzingis said. “Good, good memories. Just thinking about it now I get a good feeling.”
Life in Golden State and a New Team Environment
Porzingis is now adjusting to life with the Golden State Warriors, where he reunited with veteran teammate Al Horford after Horford left Boston during free agency.
The transition to San Francisco has been smoother than expected. According to Porzingis, the city reminds him of Boston in several ways, especially its compact layout and walkable streets.
A nice pop for Kristaps Porzingis as Eddie Palladino calls his name last while announcing the Warriors’ starting lineup.
— Bobby Krivitsky (@BobbyKrivitsky) March 18, 2026
This is the first game Porzingis is playing in at TD Garden since getting traded over the summer. It’s his second start with Golden State. pic.twitter.com/LMHg81Zo1g
He also mentioned that the warmer weather has been a pleasant change as he continues settling into his new environment.
Kristaps Porzingis standing ovation after his Celtics tribute video pic.twitter.com/6C9Kt5Q4it
— Fullcourtpass (@Fullcourtpass) March 18, 2026
Golden State is currently battling for a playoff position while dealing with injuries within the roster. The team has been without Stephen Curry for several weeks due to a knee issue, which has made the season more challenging.
Also Read: Robert Parish Praises Joe Mazzulla, Says Celtics Have the Right Coach Leading the Team
Porzingis’ Role and Performance with the Warriors
When healthy, Porzingis has shown that he can still contribute effectively on the court. His shooting ability and size make him a valuable piece in Golden State’s offensive system.
Warriors head coach Steve Kerr highlighted how easily Porzingis fits into different lineups.
A loud ovation after Kristaps Porzingis’ tribute video at TD Garden pic.twitter.com/vLtNNFmwrv
— Jack Simone (@JackSimoneNBA) March 18, 2026
“He’s an easy fit for sure with any team at that size with that kind of shooting touch,” Kerr said. “It doesn’t take a whole lot of strategy to get him to work with other players. He can set a screen and pop and that puts a lot of stress on a defense, just that alone.”
The Warriors have also begun adjusting their offensive sets to better utilize Porzingis when he is available.
“I think in the four or five games he’s played we’ve been able to notice the nuances, different actions we might run, that sort of thing,” Kerr added.
Kristaps Porzingis 2026 Season Stats
| Category | Stat |
|---|---|
| Points per Game | 17.2 |
| Rebounds per Game | 4.8 |
| Three-Point Percentage | 34.5% |
| Games Played | 22 |
Injuries have limited his availability this season, but when he has been on the floor, Porzingis has continued to show his scoring ability and perimeter shooting.
Health Update and Feeling Like Himself Again
After dealing with injuries and missing several games earlier in the season, Porzingis believes he is finally returning to full form.
He recently appeared in three of the Warriors’ last four games and said his confidence on the court is steadily returning.
Kristaps Porzingis is back in Boston:
— Justin Turpin (@JustinmTurpin) March 18, 2026
He gives the fans a fist pump before showing some love to Celtics staffers, coaches, and players. pic.twitter.com/RqrXrtjkMM
“I’m getting a real good feeling about basketball again, which is the most important thing,” Porzingis said. “Everything goes into second place when you’re not feeling perfect.”
The big man explained that once his body started recovering and his conditioning improved, the joy of playing returned.
“Now that I’m getting my legs back, getting into shape, it’s a good reminder why I love this,” he added.
Also Read: Stephen Curry Injury Update: Warriors ‘Cautiously Optimistic’ Star Could Return Before End of March
Thoughts on Injuries and Career Perspective
Porzingis has faced multiple injuries during his NBA career. In the previous season, he missed 40 regular-season games and also dealt with illness during the playoffs.
Because of those challenges, he was asked whether he has thought about ending his career earlier than expected.
Porzingis made it clear that retirement is not something he is considering.
“I didn’t want to put those kind of ideas in my head,” he said. “Just in general, for life, I don’t want to be like 60 percent of my energy. I don’t want to live this way. I’ll find a way.”
He added that his focus remains on recovering fully and continuing to perform at a high level.
“No matter what I’ll figure out a way to feel how I need to feel, at least close to where I was,” Porzingis said. “I’m recovering really well again and everything is back. I’m finally starting to feel like myself again and I’m happy.”
Emotional Moment Returning to Boston
Despite moving on to a new team, the connection with Boston remains meaningful for Porzingis.
When the Celtics acknowledge him on the arena’s jumbotron, he expects it to be a special moment, even if he tries to keep his emotions under control.
Players often develop a strong connection with cities where they win championships or experience career highlights, and Boston clearly remains an important chapter in Porzingis’ journey.
For the Warriors center, stepping back into TD Garden was not just another game. It was a reminder of the memories, pressure, and success that shaped an unforgettable part of his career.
