Knicks Hot News: Celtics Center Kristaps Porziņģis Says He’s “Coming Back for Revenge”
May 5, 2025 – New York, NY
Tensions are heating up ahead of a potential playoff clash between two historic rivals, as Boston Celtics center Kristaps Porziņģis has made headlines with a bold statement aimed squarely at the New York Knicks: “I’m coming back for revenge.”
Porziņģis, who has been sidelined recently due to a lower-leg injury, made the declaration during a post-practice media session in Boston on Monday, making it clear that he is targeting a return specifically in time to face the Knicks — the team that originally drafted him fourth overall in 2015 before a high-profile trade in 2019.
“I haven’t forgotten how it ended in New York,” Porziņģis told reporters. “This time, I’m healthy, I’m locked in, and I’m coming back for revenge.”
A Playoff Collision Course
Both the Knicks and Celtics have had strong seasons and are in the thick of the Eastern Conference playoff hunt. Should the brackets align, a postseason showdown between the two is not only possible — it’s likely. That possibility adds fuel to what was already a long-standing rivalry.
Porziņģis, now in his second season with Boston, has enjoyed a career resurgence when healthy, averaging 20.1 points, 7.4 rebounds, and 1.9 blocks per game this season. His unique blend of size, shooting, and rim protection has made him a critical piece of the Celtics’ championship push.
But his comments suggest there’s something deeper motivating him.
“I gave everything I had in New York,” he said. “But now it’s about showing them what they missed out on.”
Knicks Respond Calmly
The Knicks, meanwhile, have opted not to escalate the drama. Head coach Tom Thibodeau, when asked about Porziņģis’s remarks, downplayed the narrative.
“We’re focused on basketball. That’s it. Talking doesn’t win games — playing does.”
Knicks star Jalen Brunson also took a measured approach, saying, “If he’s coming back, cool. We’ll be ready.”
Fan Buzz and Playoff Implications
Social media erupted following Porziņģis’s comments, with Knicks and Celtics fans trading jabs as the possibility of a playoff showdown looms. The Knicks faithful, who once embraced Porziņģis as the “Unicorn” before a sour departure, have already begun preparing the welcome — or unwelcome — reception at Madison Square Garden.
As both teams near full health and build toward the postseason, the anticipation for a Knicks-Celtics series has reached a fever pitch — and now, Porziņģis has added extra fire to the rivalry.
Whether it’s personal vengeance or professional pride, one thing is certain: if Porziņģis does return to face New York, all eyes will be watching.
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