After a lackluster performance in Game 2, Porzingis recovered to help Boston take a 2-1 series lead on Wednesday. Jayson Tatum referred to a teammate as the most crucial component of the Celtics’ pursuit of Banner 18 without being asked. After Boston defeated the Heat 104-84 in Game 3 on Saturday—a complete comeback—Tatum essentially described Kristaps Porzingis as the key component that keeps the Celtics’ machine turning.

When questioned about his teammate, Tatum responded, “Probably the most important guy on our team for what we’re trying to accomplish,” to reporters. Given how he began the game by being аggressive on both sides of the court, I had no doubts that he would bounce back and have a better game. We are a completely different team when he is guarding the rim and denying shots.

Porzingis had a lackluster showing in Game 2 on Wednesday, going 0-for-4 from three-point range and 1-of-9 from the field. His lackluster performance contributed to Miami’s 111-101 victory against Boston and a one-game tie in the first-round playoff series.In Saturday night’s Game 3, the center recorded 18 points, five rebounds, and two assists. Porzingis ended the evening with a +12 after recording two blocks and one steаl.

Following the Celtics’ Game 3 victory over the Heat, Jayson Tatum refers to Kristaps Porzingis as the “most important guy.”

The Celtics benefited from Porzingis’s enthusiasm, which helped them retake the lead in the series.

“The way it burns inside after a game like that, after a loss like that, it was a long two days,” Porzingis remarked following the game. “I’m not going to lie, it really burned inside from probably having my worst game as a Celtic.” It was a long two days till you had the chance to try again and make some changes. Today’s game was quite different.

Tatum is correct: When Porzingis is on, most people tend to follow suit. The rest of the team is more likely to suffer if Porzingis is out.

Nobody wearing a Celtics uniform can afford to play poorly on any given night, especially when playing a formidable club like the Heat in the playoffs. not to mention their starting quarterback.

For the entire season, Porzingis has shown himself to be an essential component of Boston’s squad. Throughout the postseason, he must remain just that.