Kristaps Porziņģis: Celtics 'Expect a Big Response' from Mavs' Luka Dončić in Game 2

Kristaps Porziņģis expects "a big response" from Dallas Mavericks star Luka Dončić after the Celtics dominated Friday in Game 1 of the 2024 NBA Finals.

"We expect a big response from him," the Celtics center said Saturday about Dončić, per ESPN's Dave McMenamin. "He's one of the best players and he's going to bring it so we have to be ready."

Porziņģis' comment comes after both he and Dončić addressed a report from a former Mavericks player that the two disliked playing with one another in Dallas.

Dončić responded before Game 1 saying that he and Porziņģis "have a good relationship," while Porziņģis told reporters he was thinking about the upcoming Finals rather than his former teammates.

The two then ended up each playing key roles for their respective teams in the first game of the Finals.

Porziņģis recorded 20 points in his first game back after over a month sidelined with a calf injury as the Celtics claimed a 1-0 series lead at home.

Dončić led the Mavericks with 30 points and 10 rebounds, but was unable to carry his team to victory as fellow backcourt star Kyrie Irving was held to 12 points in the loss.

Porziņģis indicated the Celtics are expecting a more difficult time limiting the Mavericks' stars in Game 2.

"It's gonna be dog fight," Porziņģis said Saturday, per Celtics reporter Bobby Krivitsky. "They're gonna bring everything they have, and believe me when I say that we're gonna do the same."

Game 2 tips off at TD Garden Sunday at 8:00 p.m. ET.