Washington Wizards big man Kristaps Porzingis has fully embraced his “Unicorn” nickname now after Kevin Durant gave it to him, but it didn't start that way. According to the big man, he didn't like it at first since he didn't understand it or know where it came from.

Speaking to the media after making a triumphant debut with the Wizards on Sunday, Porzingis was asked about his nickname. It was a reference to the description Durant gave him years ago when he was starting in the league and impressing everyone with his shooting touch and range, while being capable of making plays off the dribble.

Porzingis shared that while he was not a big fan of it in the beginning, he has learned to embrace it and live up to it by playing like a true Unicorn.

“You know what, at first I didn't like it. I was like what is that, ‘unicorn?' I had never heard that word before. KD gave me that nickname and it stuck, it stuck. At first, I didn't like it that much but now I like it. Now I actually like it. I think it kind of represents the way I play. I can play all over the floor and with my height and length. So, I try to embrace that and I try to play like a unicorn,” Porzingis said, via NBC Sports.

After his performance on Sunday against the Indiana Pacers, Wizards fans better get used to calling him Unicorn. It might only be a small sample size, but Kristaps Porzingis gave Washington hope that they made the right move in trading for him despite concerns about his health.

Porzingis saw limited action in his Wizards debut, but he was effective in every second he was on the floor. He finished with 25 points, five rebounds and two blocks while shooting 7-of-12 from the field–including 3-of-4 from deep. And he did so in just 21 minutes of playing time, leading the team to a 133-123 victory.

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Photo: Silhouette of Jordan Poole in Wizards jersey, Tommy Sheppard

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It remains to be seen if Porzingis can be healthy long-term, but the early returns have certainly been positive as he showed what he is capable of providing when he is at his best.