Porzingis on debut in Boston: I’m very happy to be a Celtic, I’m not going to lie

Celtics big man Kristaps Porzingis lauded the TD Garden crowd after his first game in Boston.

Kristaps Porzingis made his long-awaited debut as a member of the Boston Celtics Sunday evening, helping his new club secure a 116-104 preseason victory over the visiting Philadelphia 76ers. The former All-Star finished the night with 17 points and 5 rebounds in 25 minutes of action, getting his first taste of what it means to play professional basketball in the Hub.

After the game, Porzingis was asked about his experience suiting up in Celtics green for the first time. He’s played plenty of games at the TD Garden in his career, but this was the first time as a member of the home team. He was quick to admire the energy the fans played, while also speaking glowingly of his new teammates. Led by newly-extended guard Payton Pritchard, Boston grabbed a thrilling comeback win.

“That was insane,” Porzingis said. “That was insane for a preseason game, I don’t know what to say.”