Not solely would Kristaps Porzingis welcome it, he’s eagerly hoping to face his outdated aspect within the playoffs.
The Celtics’ massive man, who infamously started his profession with the Knicks after the crew drafted him No. 4 total within the 2015 draft earlier than a turbulent parting of the way, would enjoy a playoff ambiance between the groups — even when a lot of Knicks followers’ consideration could be devoted to booing and berating him.
“I feel it’s wholesome,” Porzingis instructed The Submit earlier than the Knicks’ 116-102 loss to the Celtics on Saturday night time at Madison Sq. Backyard. “I don’t thoughts it. It’s ardour. Knicks followers are passionate. Particularly if we see them within the playoffs, for instance, it’s gonna be a loopy setting and loopy feelings, so I look ahead to that.
“We’re gonna be there for certain, there’s undoubtedly gonna be some [playoff] matchups sooner or later.”
The Celtics and Knicks entered Saturday because the Nos. 1 and 4 seeds within the Jap Convention, respectively, and in the event that they finish the season in the identical spots, they’d face one another within the convention semifinals so long as each groups win their first-round collection.
Porzingis, who signed a two-year, $60 million extension with the Celtics earlier than the season, has lengthy develop into accustomed to jeering Knicks followers — that has been a staple to his returns to New York Metropolis, together with Saturday night time as he shined with 22 factors, 4 rebounds, 4 assists and a block at his outdated stomping grounds.
However, enjoying with the Mavericks and Wizards earlier than being traded to the Celtics this previous offseason, Porzingis had not but worn a uniform for a crew that would actually stand in the way in which of the Knicks’ ambitions, a lot much less one of many franchise’s greatest rivals.
The booing had declined by way of the years till Porzingis began sporting the inexperienced and white.
![Kristaps Porzingis looks to make a move on Donte DiVincenzo during the Knicks' loss.](https://nypost.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/02/Kristaps-Porzingis-2.jpg?w=1024)
“I feel every year is much less [booing],” Porzingis mentioned. “However possibly now that I’m on Boston, it’s once more up a little bit bit. To be trustworthy, I want some type of emotion. Lots of people are supporting me additionally, however there’s nonetheless some boos on the market for certain.
“To be trustworthy, there’s nonetheless some dwelling feeling right here. On the finish of the day, three-and-a-half years right here, a variety of nice reminiscences, my household is right here, I fell in love enjoying right here, and now I really like enjoying right here as a visitor. Nothing however optimistic feelings once I come right here.”
Porzingis, after all, hasn’t skilled what Madison Sq. Backyard is like in the course of the playoffs, because the Knicks didn’t end larger than eleventh within the East throughout his time with the crew.
However he’s seen how electrical the Backyard might be from afar, and if he has his method, he’ll be proper in the course of it in Could.
“They obtained an unbelievable man in Jalen Brunson, who’s their chief,” Porzingis mentioned. “Understanding him and his persona, it’s no coincidence they’re this good. I’m glad for them, I’m glad for the town. Town was hungry for a very good crew, and at last these guys after a 12 months within the playoffs and making runs are bringing some pleasure to the league. I feel the league is healthier when the Knicks are good.”