Kristaps Porzingis returned to the court for the Golden State Warriors on Saturday night, contributing nine points in a 104-97 loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder. This marked his second game since missing six consecutive matches due to health issues. Porzingis expressed optimism about his fitness, stating, “I felt like my body is coming back to what it needs to be.” After a workout before the game, he felt “pretty decent.”
Health Challenges and Team Dynamics
Prior to the game against the Thunder, Porzingis had participated in a practice session on Friday, following a warm-up during the Warriors’ road game in Houston. He logged 23 minutes on the court, finishing with nine points, five rebounds, five assists, and one block. “I believe I will be healthy now,” Porzingis added. “This time I really feel this is it.”
The Warriors acquired Porzingis in a trade with the Atlanta Hawks on February 4, 2023. He made his debut on February 19 against the Boston Celtics, where he played for 17 minutes. Shortly after, however, he reported feeling unwell and subsequently missed a series of games, as the Warriors’ training staff worked to address the ongoing health issues stemming from a virus he contracted in February 2022. Doctors diagnosed him with postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS), a condition that can lead to increased heart rates, dizziness, and fatigue.
Clarifications and Future Plans
Porzingis has largely remained private about his health struggles, limiting details in public discussions. Coach Steve Kerr stirred controversy recently when he suggested that Porzingis did not have POTS, labeling it “misinformation.” Kerr later retracted this comment, acknowledging it as a “stupid mistake” to discuss something he was not fully informed about. Porzingis remarked on Kerr’s comments, stating, “It wasn’t ideal… So people start talking again. I told Steve it was OK. I know he didn’t mean anything.”
Looking ahead, Porzingis will rest on Monday night in Utah as the Warriors prepare for a back-to-back series. He is expected to play against the Chicago Bulls on Tuesday night. As the playoffs approach, Porzingis is eager to increase his playing time. “Only 20 games left or so, I want to catch a really good rhythm and see if we can do anything in the postseason,” he said.
