Kristaps Porzingis expresses raw emotion after the Celtics’ blowout loss to the Knicks in Game 6. From health struggles to playoff frustration, the veteran forward reflects on a painful end to Boston’s title defense.
Kristaps Porzingis didn’t sugarcoat his emotions following the Boston Celtics’ crushing 119–81 loss to the New York Knicks in Game 6 of the Eastern Conference Semifinals — a result that abruptly ended Boston’s hopes of repeating as NBA champions.
Speaking after the game from Madison Square Garden, Porzingis called it an “extremely tough night,” admitting that the Celtics “didn’t really have any good moments” to spark a comeback against a surging Knicks squad.
Frustration Mounts as Health Limits Impact
The 29-year-old forward was visibly emotional as he addressed his limited role in the series. Having played just 11 minutes in the elimination game due to lingering health issues, Porzingis admitted the situation was deeply frustrating.
“Super, super frustrating — you know, as frustrating as you can imagine,” he said.
With Jayson Tatum sidelined by an Achilles injury since Game 4, Porzingis was expected to help fill the leadership and scoring void — but his body wouldn’t cooperate.
“It just hurts deep inside of here,” he added, tapping his chest. “It really, really sucks in these moments.”
Lingering Symptoms and Undiagnosed Fatigue
Porzingis revealed that he has been experiencing unusual fatigue and other symptoms for several months — issues that doctors have yet to fully diagnose.
“I could just lay down over here and just take a little nap, easy,” he told reporters. “Which is extremely weird.”
Despite the symptoms, he emphasized that medical evaluations showed no serious health risks, including comprehensive heart testing.
“There was no bigger risk,” Porzingis clarified. “They tested my heart, everything.”
Reflecting on Two Years in Boston and a Championship
As the Celtics enter what could be a pivotal offseason, Porzingis took a moment to reflect on his two-year journey in Boston, including the 2024 NBA title — the franchise’s first in over a decade.
“If you purely look from my own perspective, it’s been up and down,” he admitted. “But then the big objective that we were going for — we achieved it.”
Still digesting the Game 6 defeat, Porzingis noted that thoughts about possible roster changes had yet to sink in.
“Right now we’re just digesting this loss, honestly,” he said.
Summer Recovery and EuroBasket 2025 Goals
Looking ahead, Porzingis plans to prioritize recovery and conditioning over the summer. He is also expected to represent Latvia in EuroBasket 2025, a goal he hopes to be fully prepared for.
“This summer I expect a nice bounce back for myself,” he said confidently.
Respect for the Knicks and MSG Energy
Porzingis also took a moment to praise the New York Knicks — his former team — and the electric atmosphere at Madison Square Garden during the series.
“There’s a side of me that’s very, very happy for them,” he said. “They’ve done great things.”
