Porzingis Provides Spark in Warriors Debut Despite Loss

Kristaps Porzingis scores 12 points in 17 minutes in first game since January 7th

Published on Feb. 28, 2026

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Kristaps Porzingis made his debut for the Golden State Warriors on Thursday night, scoring 12 points in 17 minutes off the bench in a 121-110 loss to the Boston Celtics. Despite a slow start, Porzingis provided a spark in the second half, hitting two long 3-pointers and having success in the post. The Warriors were without their two best players, Jimmy Butler and Stephen Curry, and are hoping Porzingis can provide an offensive boost as they try to turn their season around.

Why it matters

The Warriors have struggled this season, dropping to 29-27, and desperately need Porzingis to get up to speed quickly with their two stars sidelined. His performance, even in a loss, provides hope that he can be an impactful addition to the lineup once he regains his full conditioning and rhythm.

The details

Porzingis, who was acquired by the Warriors at the trade deadline, was playing in just his 18th game of the season and first since January 7th when he was with the Atlanta Hawks. The Warriors brought him along slowly, limiting him to 17 minutes in his debut. He started slow, missing his first two shots, but found his groove in the second half, hitting two 3-pointers and having success in the post. The Warriors were outscored by 19 points with Porzingis on the floor in the first half, but outscored the Celtics by 15 points with him on the court in the second half.

  • Porzingis last played on January 7th with the Atlanta Hawks.
  • Porzingis was traded to the Warriors at the trade deadline.
  • Porzingis made his Warriors debut on February 20, 2026.

The players

Kristaps Porzingis

A 7-foot-3 power forward/center who was acquired by the Golden State Warriors at the trade deadline and was making his debut with the team after missing over a month of action.

Steve Kerr

The head coach of the Golden State Warriors.

Jaylen Brown

A star player for the Boston Celtics who had 23 points, 15 rebounds and 13 assists in the win over the Warriors.

Jimmy Butler

A star player for the Golden State Warriors who is out for the season with a torn ACL.

Stephen Curry

A star player for the Golden State Warriors who is sidelined with a persistent right knee issue.

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What they’re saying

“Boston was incredible. They're having an amazing season. They're a machine right now.”

— Steve Kerr, Warriors Head Coach (ESPN)

“Even tonight, I would've liked to go longer. Even if I'm exhausted out there, I still want to push myself. But I know I have to take it step by step. Add a couple minutes next game hopefully.”

— Kristaps Porzingis (ESPN)

“I felt all right. Far from being in perfect shape. But I think for first game back after a while, getting some energy back, I'm feeling good.”

— Kristaps Porzingis (ESPN)

What’s next

The Warriors face the Denver Nuggets on Sunday (12:30 p.m. PT, ABC). They will remain without Jimmy Butler and Stephen Curry, so Porzingis' continued integration and increased minutes will be crucial as the team tries to turn its season around.

The takeaway

Porzingis' debut provided a glimpse of the offensive spark he can provide the Warriors, even if he was rusty after missing over a month of action. As he regains his conditioning and rhythm, the Warriors will need him to quickly emerge as a reliable scoring option alongside their role players with their two stars sidelined by injury.