It was obvious that Luka Doncic and Kristaps Porzingis respected one another when they crossed paths on Friday at TD Garden. Doncic, who only turned 25 days ago, has emerged as one of the league’s top players and is now the Mavericks’ head coach. The Celtics are the greatest team in the league, and Porzingis is prospering there, displaying his one-of-a-kind abilities.

From 2019 to 22, Doncic and Porzingis played together for Dallas. As a result of the partnership’s failure, Washington acquired Porzingis during the 2022 trade deadline. They were never able to properly complement one other because Porzingis, like many other players during his career, dealt with injury issues.

In any case, following the Celtics’ rout, Doncic could only speak highly of Porzingis.

“That guy was just popping and shooting,” Doncic remarked.  They’ve been much better off with him on board. I had a brief conversation with him. I share his joy that he’s here since he’s very happy.

Doncic, whose stats had been very standard, recorded a triple-double with 37 points, 12 boards, and 11 assists. In the third quarter, the Mavs were within two points of the Celtics, but the latter went on a scoring run to take a commanding lead. In his own right, Jayson Tatum shook from a sluggish start to finish with 32 points and eight boards.

“He’s just a great guy,” Doncic remarked describing Tatum. Amazingly, we hold each other in high regard. All we did was hang around, but that was all.

Doncic has nothing but praise for the Celtics, whom he has proclaimed to be the league’s top squad. Despite their improved play as of late, the Mavs remain 34–26 and occupy the eighth spot in the Western Conference. After suffering a setback at the hands of the C’s, who have won their last 10 games in a row, they will be seeking revenge.