While the Knicks faltered from there and missed the playoffs, Porzingis averaged 14.3 points, 7.3 rebounds and 1.9 blocks per game and finished second in NBA Rookie of the Year voting, behind only Karl-Anthony Towns, then of the Minnesota Timberwolves.

Boston is vying to become the NBA’s first repeat champion since 2018 and the first Celtics team to go back-to-back since the days of Bill Russell (1968 and ’69). The Knicks, who took down a scrappy Detroit Pistons squad in Round 1, are seeking their first trip to the conference finals since 2000.

Expect Boston to target Jalen Brunson and Karl-Anthony Towns often in the 1st Celtics-Knicks playoff showdown since 2013.