Celtics’ Kristaps Porzingis Suddenly a Big Problem in Finals for Mavericks That Cast Him Off

Boston Celtics center Kristaps Porzingis, right, blocks a shot by Dallas Mavericks forward Derrick Jones Jr. during the second half of Game 1 of NBA Finals in Boston on June 6, 2024. Charles Krupa/AP Photo

BOSTON—The Mavericks couldn’t figure out how best to utilize big man Kristaps Porzingis during his three seasons in Dallas.

Three years later, the Mavericks now have a big Porzingis problem in the NBA Finals.