RARE INJURY HAS PORZINGIS LISTED AS QUESTIONABLE FOR GAME 3

On the very eve of Game 3 of the NBA Finals, Boston Celtics center Kristaps Porzingis wanted to make one message perfectly clear.

The Celtics have labeled Porzingis as questionable for Game 3 due to what they describe as a “rare injury,” characterized as a tear in the medial retinaculum causing the dislocation of the posterior tibialis tendon in his left leg. However, barring any unforeseen circumstances before the next game in this seven-game series against the Dallas Mavericks, Porzingis intends to take to the court on Wednesday at 7:30 p.m. as Game 3 commences at the American Airlines Center.

Sustaining the injury in the second half of Game 2 on Sunday, Porzingis expressed after the 105-98 triumph that he would give his all on the court for Game 3.

When questioned before Tuesday’s practice if he still stands by those sentiments, Porzingis affirmed: “Yes, I am committed to those words. Absolutely.”

Was he serious about being willing to go to the extreme of risking his life on the court, Porzingis was asked? “Well, I hope it never comes to that,” he responded. “But if it means winning, then yes.”

Reflecting on the incident that led to his injury, Porzingis mentioned it occurred during an encounter with Mavs center Dereck Lively II.

He recounted, “I was vying for a rebound near the free-throw line. I was nudged into Lively’s back, and our knees collided, resulting in the injury. I persevered for a while post-incident. However, my mobility was eventually compromised.”

Describing it as an unforeseen event, Porzingis conveyed that he felt something unusual and would now have to manage it. He indicated that the situation would be evaluated day by day, and his readiness for the next game would depend on how he feels the following day.

If Porzingis participates in Game 3 – with the Celtics currently leading the series 2-0 – it will mark his comeback to the American Airlines Center since being traded from the Mavericks to the Washington Wizards on February 10, 2022. Owing to an ankle injury, he was absent when the Wizards faced the Mavs at AAC on January 24, 2023.

Following his trade from Washington to Boston on June 23 of the preceding year, Porzingis also missed the Celtics’ sole visit to Dallas this season on January 22 due to inflammation in his right knee.

In jest, Porzingis remarked that there might be “some black magic” preventing him from playing a game at the AAC as a former Maverick.

Recalling his return to Dallas with the Wizards on January 24, 2023, he mentioned the warm reception he received, including an unexpected tribute video, which he found touching. While he harbors no ill feelings towards the city, the fans, or the organization, he acknowledged that things didn’t pan out as expected during his time with the Mavericks.

Anticipating his reception upon his potential return, Porzingis stated he doesn’t foresee a reception similar to the one he experienced upon his return to New York but remains curious about the reaction he will receive.

When questioned about how he expects to be treated, referencing the reception former Celtic and current Mavs guard Kyrie Irving received during Games 1 and 2 in Boston, Porzingis did not provide a direct response.

When Kyrie Irving faced boos and verbal harassment from the crowd every time he touched the ball, Porzingis remarked that he would find it unexpected if he encountered similar treatment at the AAC.

However, he pondered, “Who knows? This is the Finals. Perhaps I might be booed to try to unsettle me.”

Despite being sidelined since April 29 due to a strained right calf, Porzingis made a considerable impact in Game 1 of the series. Upon entering the game with 7:17 left in the first quarter, he swiftly turned the tide in favor of the Celtics, scoring 11 of his 20 points in that quarter, which concluded with Boston leading 37-20. In just 21 animated minutes, he shot 8-of-13 from the field, including 2-of-4 from three-point range, and contributed six rebounds and three blocks in the Celtics’ 107-89 triumph.

In Game 2’s victory for the Celtics, Porzingis played 23 significant minutes, scoring 12 points, securing four rebounds, blocking two shots, and shooting 4-of-7 from the field. The Celtics are hopeful that he will continue to make an impact in Game 3.

Celtics coach Joe Mazzulla stated, “He’s putting in all efforts to be ready for the upcoming game. It’s a serious injury. Our team and medical staff won’t jeopardize his well-being.”

Mazzulla admitted uncertainty regarding Porzingis’s availability for Wednesday’s game, emphasizing that the decision to play rests with the medical team.

Guard Jrue Holiday expressed support for whatever decision Porzingis makes regarding playing in Game 3, acknowledging his toughness and positive attitude.

While the Celtics have performed well in this year’s playoffs without Porzingis, there is a recognition that having him on the court significantly enhances the team’s performance.

Porzingis, a resilient 7’2″ Latvian player, has faced numerous injuries since being drafted as the fourth overall pick by the New York Knicks in 2015. Following his All-Star selection in 2019, the Knicks traded him to the Mavericks on January 31, 2019, as he recovered from a torn anterior cruciate ligament.

Reflecting on his career challenges, Porzingis shared, “I’ve been through some tough times, and this current setback is challenging. However, I feel positive and am looking forward to tomorrow.”