Kristaps Porzingis Defends Scuffle In Celtics’ Physical Loss To Magic

Kristaps Porzingis had an interesting night in Orlando as the Celtics surrendered a 15-point halftime lead in a loss to the Magic.

Porzingis attempted 14 free throws and shot just 2-of-10 from the field. The Celtics big man saw his most attention-filled moment of the night with Boston chasing down a second-half deficit.

Porzingis ended up in a verbal scuffle with Orlando’s Jalen Suggs before Goga Bitadze interjected with a swipe for the center’s neck, leading to double technical fouls and an ejection for the Orlando participant.

“Just competing, started talking a little bit,” Porzingis told reporters, per NBC Sports Boston’s postgame coverage. “We went face-to-face and just kept on talking. Bitadze came in from the side. He kind of shoved me. Of course, I reacted to that. Just normal, some NBA action a little bit. Nothing serious, just competing. Good that nobody got thrown out from our side.”

Monday’s game, a physical battle between two solid teams in the Eastern Conference, offered a quality reminder of how the NBA competition can pressure the Celtics.

“100%,” Porzingis said. “I think we could’ve adjusted a little bit earlier knowing that there wasn’t a lot of stuff being called. We can also use that.”

“They turned up the physicality,” Porzingis added. “We didn’t execute. We knew they were going to come out and make a run. Honestly, they played well.”

The Celtics return to action for a Christmas Day clash in the Eastern Conference with the Philadelphia 76ers on Wednesday evening.