Boston Celtics head coach Joe Mazzulla addressed reporters on Tuesday, shedding light on Kristaps Porzingis’ current health status. Mazzulla stated that Porzingis is grappling with a “serious injury” but is diligently striving to participate in Game 3.
According to ESPN’s Tim Bontemps, the Celtics revealed on Tuesday that Porzingis is designated as day-to-day following a dislocation of the posterior tibialis tendon in his left leg during the third quarter of Sunday’s Game 2 against the Dallas Mavericks. Notably, this injury is distinct from his previous right calf ailment.
Porzingis’ availability for Wednesday’s matchup is officially uncertain, with the player listed as questionable.
Mazzulla emphasized the cautious approach taken by the medical team, affirming, “At the end of the day, the medical team is not going to put him in any bad situations. We’ve taken the decision to play out of his hands.”
Despite missing the Celtics’ preceding 10 postseason games due to a calf strain, Porzingis made a comeback in the Finals opener. He made an immediate impact off the bench in Game 1, accumulating 20 points, six rebounds, and three blocks within 20 minutes of play.
Following the injury in Game 2, Porzingis valiantly played for nearly three minutes and is resolute about avoiding any time off the court.
Sources close to the situation informed ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski that there’s no indication Porzingis will be sidelined for Wednesday’s game.
“Nothing is gonna stop me unless I’m told I’m not allowed to play,” Porzingis affirmed to reporters, including Brad Townsend of the Dallas Morning News.
