Introducing a 7-foot-3 floor-spacing player to a roster naturally unlocks new opportunities. Yet, for the Boston Celtics, the inclusion of Kristaps Porzingis goes beyond generating unconventional offensive strategies—it fundamentally alters their style of play.

Porzingis’ mere presence significantly shapes the Celtics’ offense. In their recent triumph against the Toronto Raptors, his impact was unmistakably profound, perhaps more so than at any other point this season.

Matched against Jakob Poeltl, tasked with defending Porzingis, the Latvian’s outside shooting ability posed a dilemma. The Raptors’ center found himself caught in a conundrum, torn between defending the three-point line and adhering to his usual defensive positioning in the paint.

“Tonight was a game where they’re playing in a drop coverage, so a lot of the plays were going through me, or I was open on the perimeter and just shooting threes,” Porzingis said post-game. “So, each game is different, but D-White, Jrue, JB, JT, they’ve been finding me all the time and getting me involved. I feel like each game, our chemistry is getting better.”

As Porzingis popped out and Poeltl retracted, he found himself open at the three-point line. Once the Raptors adapted to this pattern, Porzingis pivoted his strategy.

The Celtics’ newcomer transitioned to aggressive rim rolls, creating passing lanes for Jaylen Brown, Jrue Holiday, and the rest of the team to locate him, resulting in straightforward opportunities in the paint. This approach also granted whoever had possession ample time to orchestrate plays.

“He was able to help our pick-and-roll ball handler get some separation away from the screen, and they weren’t veering at first,” said head coach Joe Mazzulla. “So, we were able to throw back and get into a closeout and kind of create just a second-side action.

“Once they started veering, we were able to get their bigs away from the rim, and that’s when we were able to either give it to him in the post or we were able to drive it without any rim protection.”

Whenever Porzingis initiated the screen, Toronto found themselves in a frantic scramble, uncertain of Boston’s next move. Ultimately, their failure to contain Porzingis cost them the chance to keep the game competitive.

With a tally of 21 points, seven rebounds, and three assists, Porzingis not only contributed statistically but showcased exceptional efficiency. Shooting 9-of-14 from the field and 3-of-7 from beyond the arc, he exploited his elite offensive skills, dismantling the Raptors’ defense.

While Brown and Jayson Tatum lead the charge, adding Porzingis to the mix amplifies the Celtics’ defensive woes for opponents. Whether setting screens for Brown, Tatum, or the team’s star guards, Porzingis elevates the team’s offensive versatility to an unparalleled level.