Every game in a seven-game series tells a different tale of the larger narrative. In Kristaps Porzingis’ playoff debut with the Celtics, Boston’s big man was storybook, hitting 4-of-8 from behind the arc en route to an efficient 18 points and two blocks in Sunday's blowout of the Heat. You couldn’t write a better start to a championship run.
Three days later in the Game 2 loss, plot twist: Porzingis made just one of his nine shot attempts; his counterpart, Bam Adebayo, owned him in the post and Porzingis finished the game a minus-32.
“Upped the physicality, switching, higher pickup points,” head coach Joe Mazzulla said of Miami’s stifling defense frustrating KP.