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New York “Ramped Up” On Hate As Kristaps Porzingis Found A Coping Mechanism

Published 02/25/2024, 12:28 AM EST

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USA Today via Reuters

Kristaps Porzingis responds to MSG’s rousing boos. The former New York Knicks player received a cold welcome during tonight’s game from the NY crowd. Adding up to the age old rivalry between the Boston Celtics and Knicks, Porzingis seemed to be tonight’s scapegoat for the boisterous crowd. However, the 7 ‘2 tall star seemed to have found the coping mechanism for the hate.

During the post-game press conference, Porzingis revealed how he handled the boos. He said, “I enjoy it… They’ve ramped up again a little bit with me on the Celtics… I prefer any kinda emotion over no emotion. It’s either cheers or boos, I want it. Tonight was no different. Big Game. TV game… Took care of business, good win for us.”

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Considering the fan following and hype surrounding the Celtics-Knicks rivalry, the boos for Kristaps Porzingis may seem like a biggest cold shoulder welcome for the towering center. But, it isn’t the case. He also received a similar reception when he was with his former team, Washington Wizards.

Speaking of the loud boos from Knicks fans, he said, “They went down in my ears in Washington, but still getting booed. And now I feel like they have ramped up again a little bit.” Knicks fans definitely didn’t seem to let go of their former players, despite leaving the franchise 6 years ago.

However, the times have changed since he left the franchise. Porzingis is currently playing his best basketball, averaging 20 points this season along with a stronghold in the defensive end as well.

Boos Surround Kristaps Porzingis as MSG Gives Celtics Star a “True New York” Welcome

It’s a definite miss for the teams which traded him out in the past. So far, he has played for three teams before Celtics, and they are the Knicks, Mavs and the Wizards. Out of which, Porzingis is completely sore about one team for trading him out. Let’s find out more about it.

Porzingis silenced the Wizards with a career night

The Washington Wizards certainly had a powerful team comprising Porzingis, Bradley Beal and Kyle Kuzma, until they blew it away in 2023 off season. And, during the 7 ‘2 star’s first visit to Washington this season, he recorded a career best performance. He dropped 34 points with 11 rebounds.

Following the game, speaking in the post-game interview, he clearly seemed sore about the Wizards trading him. He said, “Yes, yes I did. I wanted to make them pay… They just traded away their… All-Star. They don’t really have a big man.” 

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Nevertheless, he seemed to have landed in the best team in the league. Currently, the Celtics have the best record in the league, topping the East with 44-12.

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Will the Celtics go on to win the championship this season? Let us know in the comments below.

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Written by:

Shahul Hameed

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Shahul Hameed is a Senior NBA Writer at EssentiallySports. Armed with a Master's Degree in journalism from a distinguished institute, his journey into sports writing began during his college days, and since then, Shahul has been captivated not only by the remarkable consistency of Stephen Curry but also by the enduring legacy of LeBron James. He specializes in covering the live basketball action.
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