BOSTON — Through seven games entering Friday’s game against the Celtics, Kristaps Porzingis’ offensive numbers are All-Star caliber — 19.1 points per game, 6.7 rebounds, 48.9 percent shooting and 44.7 percent from 3-point range.

After his ugly back-to-back set last week, when he was benched in the fourth quarter at Detroit and posted zero field goals against Houston, Porzingis has been on fire the past three games. He notched 27 points against the Bulls, 28 points against the Jazz and 21 versus the Nets. His teammates are realizing he is a go-to guy every bit as much as Carmelo Anthony, despite being just 21.

Discussions about Porzingis’ separation from greatness lie on the defensive end — his flaws are one reason the Knicks were just 3-4. Defensive coordinator Kurt Rambis has said Porzingis uses his hands too much, slapping at balls. He also has struggled against perimeter-oriented power forwards who are obviously smaller than the Latvian.

Coach Jeff Hornacek expanded on the issue after Friday’s shootaround at TD Garden, saying it could be a European adjustment and a technique issue, with difficulty bending into a defensive crouch.

“The biggest thing we emphasize with KP — which is tough when you’re [7-foot-3] — is bending your knees,’’ Hornacek said. “If you’re standing straight up and a guy makes a move, [his] first reaction when you bend is to get your arms out and you use too much hands. At times, KP, it’s difficult for a guy that tall to do that. But when he does it, he takes up a lot of space.

“We’ve emphasized [to him] if you’re [facing] a guard and you use a 7-3 guy, bent down with arms out — 7-foot-3 and wide, it’s hard to go around. He’s doing a better job at that. He’s got quick enough feet to do it. Sometimes it’s technique — a little sideways in his stance. He’s gotten better. He was good the other night [against the Nets].’’

Hornacek had benched Porzingis for defensive purposes at Detroit in the fourth quarter, but that likely won’t happen again. Porzingis’ European upbringing could be a factor, as fundamental defense is not stressed overseas, and more contact is allowed.

“It’s more physical than NBA games now, and they let a lot go,’’ Hornacek said. “Sometimes they come here and try to focus on offense. But [Porzingis] is young and learning. We’re trying to give him things to help him out.’’

As for his offense, there are no issues. His increased strength from his banner rookie season is helping, according to Hornacek.

“Last year when I watched tape, he seemed like he’d drive a lot and take a wild shot and it might’ve been because of strength, he got knocked off his position,’’ Hornacek said. “I don’t see that last year on drives. Pretty solid. The strength he worked on over the summer helped him. He’s making his shots. Guys are looking for him. He gets the ball anywhere in the lane he should get a good shot off.’’

Better spacing of the floor also has benefited Porzingis, who keyed a fourth-quarter rally with back-to-back 3-pointers, a driving dunk and a block, all in a five-minute span.

“I think the guys, once they started seeing him hit a couple shots, they started picking up on it and looking for him,” Hornacek said.

Rookie center Willy Hernangomez, Porzingis’ former Spanish League teammate, also is struggling more on defense than offense. That led to him to not playing for three straight games. But he looked superior when inserted against the Nets on Wednesday, giving the team a spark in the fourth quarter on both ends — 14 points in 14 minutes and two blocks. He likely earned a permanent spot in the rotation — perhaps taking minutes from Kyle O’Quinn.

Hornacek said learning the scouting reports is the big issue for Hernangomez’s defensive progress.

“It’s not learning the defense, it’s learning the players,’’ Hornacek said. “Some of that you learn with experience, some of it studying tape. He’s got a good feel for the game. Defensively he’s usually in the right spot. We’re happy about that. It’s little things — reacting and knowing a guy’s tendencies. He’ll learn that.’’