By Eurohoops Team/ info@eurohoops.net
Still catching his breath after practice, Kristaps Porzingis talked to media as 22 NBA teams are planning to travel to Orlando for the season-ending tournament. The coronavirus pandemic has created a unique situation but the Latvian big remains focused on competing in the playoffs for the first time.
The hiatus prevented his connection with Luka Doncic from attaining full capacity but Porzingis is looking forward to finishing what he started with the Slovenian superstar and the rest of his teammates. “I don’t think it will be that tough,” he replied to a question on extending the dynamic duo into the eight additional regular season matches and eventually the playoffs.
Home-court was the goal up to the decision to halt action but teams involved in the single-site tournament are moving forward with a contrasting approach. “This time it’s going to be different. We all have to get used to it,” said Porzingis.
“I don’t focus on any fears too much,” he added explaining every athlete faces a different situation while deciding to play or skip action, “Once we are in the bubble, we will go from there. Opting out was not really on my mind. I am ready to be back on the court, play the game that I love, and put so much work into.”
Regardless of the issues, the 24-year-old forward/center is gearing up for his first playoffs experience and aims to maintain himself in the postseason picture in the future. “This is going to be my first playoff experience. No matter the circumstances, I will try to play the highest-level basketball I ever played,” he noted.
The Mavericks are currently ranked 7th in the Western Conference carrying a 40-27 tally into the season-ending tournament. “We are a dangerous team. I think we could surprise people,” he responded to a question on the potential for a long playoffs run.
Check out the press conference in full below: