Kristaps Porziņģis Reflects on 'Far From Perfect' Warriors Debut

The veteran big man had a promising start with 12 points, but hopes to increase his minutes as he returns from injury.

Mar. 1, 2026 at 1:47am

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Kristaps Porziņģis made his debut for the Golden State Warriors, scoring 12 points on 5-of-9 shooting in 17 minutes of action against the Boston Celtics. Despite the loss, Porziņģis was pleased with his return from left Achilles tendonitis, but acknowledged his debut was 'far from perfect' and said he hopes to 'add a couple' more minutes when the team plays the Denver Nuggets on Sunday.

Why it matters

Porziņģis' debut comes at a crucial time for the Warriors, who are currently 29-27 and holding onto the eighth seed in the Western Conference. With Stephen Curry expected to be out for at least five more games, the team is hoping Porziņģis can provide a scoring boost to keep them in playoff position.

The details

In his first game for the Warriors, Porziņģis recorded 12 points, 1 rebound, 1 assist, and 1 block. He shot 5-of-9 from the field and 2-of-5 from 3-point range. Porziņģis was placed on a minutes restriction for his debut, but said he hopes to increase his playing time 'as quickly as possible' and plans to 'add a couple' more minutes in the team's next game against the Denver Nuggets.

  • Porziņģis made his Warriors debut on February 20, 2026 against the Boston Celtics.
  • The Warriors will play the Denver Nuggets on February 22, 2026.

The players

Kristaps Porziņģis

A veteran NBA center who was recently acquired by the Golden State Warriors after recovering from left Achilles tendonitis.

Stephen Curry

The Warriors' star point guard who is expected to be out for at least five more games due to injury.

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What they’re saying

“I would say as quickly as possible. Even tonight, I would've liked to go a little bit longer.”

— Kristaps Porziņģis, Warriors Center

“It's always weird coming back after a while. But my ups and downs in my career, and I've been out for a bit, I'm pretty good at jumping right back in.”

— Kristaps Porziņģis, Warriors Center

What’s next

Porziņģis plans to 'add a couple' more minutes to his playing time when the Warriors face the Denver Nuggets on Sunday, February 22, 2026.

The takeaway

Kristaps Porziņģis' debut with the Warriors was a promising start, but he acknowledges there is still work to be done as he returns from injury. With Stephen Curry sidelined, the team is counting on Porziņģis to provide a scoring boost to keep them in playoff position in the tough Western Conference.