It's been a rocky season for Kristaps Porzingis. After being part of a three-team trade in the offseason that sent him from the Boston Celtics to the Atlanta Hawks to start the 2025-26 season, Porzingis struggled to stay healthy in Atlanta, playing just 19 games.

Then, the Golden State Warriors acquired him at the trade deadline, partially as a replacement right-hand man for Steph Curry after Jimmy Butler went down with a torn ACL in January. However, Porzingis couldn't seem to fully shake a combination of Achilles tendinitis and a mysterious illness for much of the season, and though he was able to string together a good collection of games to close the season, there were still many questions about how healthy he truly was and how much he would be able to contribute in the Play-In game.

Porzingis was able to prove the doubters wrong on Wednesday night, providing a steady presence both offensively and defensively for the Warriors in their thrilling 126-121 victory over the Clippers. The big man ended with 20 points, 5 rebounds, 5 assists, and 2 blocks on an efficient 8-12 shooting from the field and 3-6 shooting from three-point range.

After the game, Porzingis shared his perspective on the win and how the team looked out there.

"That's a good preview of what we could be potentially. If we win the next, we actually have the real thing, and who knows? Of course, it's tough. Even if we make, we'll be the 8-seed, and honestly, it will be a tough scenario, but this is a good preview and we're going to give our all. Steph obviously made a huge effort to come back to be with us now, and we have to appreciate that. We have to give everything we have with this group and see how far we can get."

Porzingis also gave a quick update on how he feels, health-wise, after one of his best individual games of the season.

"I still have to get in better shape, a little bit lighter on my feet and everything, but last practice and today, I would say I'm feeling decent. Couple put-backs, a little something something starting to show again. Just working my way back into have good legs underneath. Still a little bit late defensively for a couple blocks, things like that I know I will get there eventually. But I'm happy about today's game."

Despite the final stat line showing Curry's explosion of points and triples, things looked a lot different at halftime. Curry only had 8 points on 2-9 shooting, and without Porzingis steadying the ship at a few points in the first three quarters until Curry came alive, this game could have ended a lot differently.

Porzingis got his points very evenly, scoring 4 in the first, 5 in the second and third, and 6 in the fourth. Importantly, the triples he made in the second, third, and fourth quarters were crucial in developing momentum for the Warriors and making sure the Clippers' runs didn't extend the lead too far.

Though Porzingis didn't close the game, with Steve Kerr opting to ride Draymond Green and the hot hand, Al Horford, as his two big men down the stretch, Porzingis' play on Wednesday showed exactly why they traded for the Latvian and what he can bring to the team when he's feeling healthy on the court.

With one more do-or-die game against the Suns on Friday night, Porzingis is officially listed as questionable due to ankle soreness, though he is ultimately expected to play. If he can provide a similar impact as he did against the Clippers, the Warriors could be in good shape to sneak into the playoffs.