While the Knicks faltered from there and missed the playoffs, Porzingis averaged 14.3 points, 7.3 rebounds and 1.9 blocks per game and finished second in NBA Rookie of the Year voting, behind only Karl-Anthony Towns, then of the Minnesota Timberwolves.

On Monday night, the Boston Celtics kicked off their second-round playoff matchup against the New York Knicks. The winner of the series will advance to the conference finals. While the winner of Game 1 will not decide the series, it is still a crucial game for both teams to win.

As Kristaps Porzingis prepares for a pivotal playoff showdown against the New York Knicks, the stakes are high. Can the Latvian center lead the Celtics to victory?