A Playoff Collapse for the Ages

As the Celtics-0.html target=_blank class=infotextkey>Boston Celtics suffered their worst playoff loss in franchise history - a 119-81 demolition by the Knicks in Game 6 - all eyes turned to an unlikely figure. Kristaps Porziņģis, the 7-foot-3 Latvian who once symbolized New York's basketball hopes, stood at center court absorbing cheers that felt both familiar and foreign. Despite battling viral pneumonia that reduced him to just 11 minutes of play, the Celtics center made sure to acknowledge the roaring crowd that once chanted "MVP!" for him.

The Illness That Changed Everything

Medical reports reveal the severity of Porziņģis' condition:
- Oxygen levels dipped below 90% during Game 5
- Lost 8 pounds during the series
- Required nebulizer treatments between quarters
This explains his stark statistical drop from regular-season dominance (19.6 points/7.8 rebounds) to playoff struggles (12.3/4.4). Celtics coach Joe Mazzulla confirmed: "He was essentially playing on one lung through Games 3-6."

Madison Square Garden's Mixed Emotions

The arena's reaction told its own story:
- Sustained 45-second ovation during pregame introductions
- Isolated boos when he touched the ball
- Audible gasps when he landed awkwardly
This emotional cocktail reflects New York's complicated relationship with their former #4 draft pick. As season ticket holder Michael Carter (56) put it: "We loved him like a son who left for college - proud of his growth, but wishing it happened here."

By the Numbers: What Went Wrong for Boston

The Celtics' collapse wasn't just about Porziņģis:
- 22.3% 3-point shooting as a team (series low)
- 19 turnovers leading to 28 Knicks points
- 0 fastbreak points in second half
With Jayson Tatum sidelined by an Achilles injury, Boston's $182 million roster became the most expensive first-round exit in NBA history.

Legacy in Limbo

As Porziņģis enters the final year of his $30.7 million contract, questions linger:
- Can he stay healthy for consecutive playoff runs?
- Does Boston rebuild around him or Jaylen Brown?
- Would Knicks fans welcome a reunion?
For now, the man they called "The Unicorn" leaves New York with final words that resonated across social media: "This will always be basketball's cathedral. Thank you for letting me be part of its story."