OKLAHOMA CITY – Kristaps Porzingis returned to the court for the Golden State Warriors after a six-game absence due to health issues. In his second game back, Porzingis scored nine points during a 104-97 loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder on Saturday night.
Porzingis expressed optimism about his recovery, stating, “I felt like my body is coming back to what it needs to be.” Prior to the game, he had a workout session and felt prepared for the challenge ahead. He played for 23 minutes, contributing five rebounds, five assists, and one block in a performance that, while not stellar, indicated he is regaining his form.
Health Challenges and Recovery
The 27-year-old forward had been sidelined following a bout of illness that began shortly after he was traded from the Atlanta Hawks to the Warriors on **February 4, 2024**. His debut with Golden State occurred on **February 19**, when he played 17 minutes against the Boston Celtics. Unfortunately, Porzingis fell ill just two days later, which led to his extended absence as the Warriors’ training staff worked to understand his health issues.
Porzingis was diagnosed with postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS) last year after experiencing a virus. This condition can lead to an increased heart rate and symptoms such as dizziness and fatigue, which have disrupted his career. He has been discreet about his condition, opting not to share many details publicly.
Despite the challenges, Porzingis remains determined to contribute to his new team. “Especially getting traded somewhere else, I wanted to get out there as soon as possible,” he reflected on his desire to play. He acknowledged that sitting out games was frustrating but felt positive about his performance against the Thunder.
Team Dynamics and Future Goals
Warriors head coach Steve Kerr faced some scrutiny last week when he made comments regarding Porzingis’ health, suggesting that the diagnosis of POTS was “misinformation.” Kerr later called this a “stupid mistake,” clarifying that he had spoken without full knowledge of the situation. Porzingis remarked on the mix-up, saying it was not ideal, but he understood Kerr’s intent.
Looking ahead, Porzingis plans to rest on **Monday** night during a game against the Utah Jazz, as the Warriors prepare for a back-to-back schedule. He is expected to return to action on **Tuesday** when they face the Chicago Bulls at home.
“As the playoffs near, I want to catch a really good rhythm and see if we can do anything in the postseason,” he stated, emphasizing his eagerness to increase his playing time as the season progresses. With approximately **20 games left**, Porzingis is hopeful that he can regain his form and help lead the Warriors in their playoff pursuits.
