Kristaps Porzingis brushes off injury scare and vows to ‘die out there’ against Mavericks

Boston Celtics will need Kristaps Porzingis back and healthy if they want a smooth ride against the Dallas Mavericks.

Kristaps Porzingis brushes off injury scare and vows to ‘die out there’ against Mavericks

Kristaps Porzingis brushes off injury scare sustained in 4th quarter of NBA Finals Game 2

Kristaps Porzingis returned from a 38-day absence to play in Game 1 of the NBA Finals against the Dallas Mavericks. At one point, it was a serious concern whether he would return. However, his Game 1 limited minutes outing proved that he was as healthy as anyone can get this late in the season. But today, in Game 2, he seemed to have picked up another injury late in the 4th quarter.

It was a moment of horror for the Celtics. However, the center brushed it off when asked about it. Reporters in the locker room naturally wanted to know if this was a repeat of the same injury that kept him out of much of the playoffs. But the big man replied positively and believed it was not serious.

I feel good. I don't think it's anything serious. But we'll look at it tomorrow and go from there. Obviously, something happened a little bit. We have a couple of days again. Believe me, we will do everything we can to be back and moving well. I will die out there if we need. I would say I was little bit limited, smart thing was to get Al back in there and close out the game.
Kristaps Porzingis via Celtics on NBC Sports Boston
YouTube video

The Latvian big man was very cagey in giving an understanding of what the injury was. He also brushed aside the notion that today’s injury had any relation to the calf strain that sidelined him previously. If what he says remains true, then there is nothing to worry about. Kristaps Porzingis had a big enough impact in Game 1 of the NBA Finals despite playing limited minutes off the bench.

Today, he again came off the bench as the Boston Celtics were looking to ease him back in. The Latvian big man played well by scoring 12 points. However, with 4 minutes left in the 4th quarter, he had to be taken off the court after visibly walking gingerly.

Boston Celtics need Kristaps Porzingis healthy to win NBA title

That gingerly walk will not help the Boston Celtics win the NBA title. At least, that is what the narrative many have thrown around this season. They certainly have defensive ace Jrue Holiday and the rest of the All-Star caliber starters. However, Porzingis unlocks their game to a different level.

It is not because of his scoring or defense but rather his floor spacing. His ability to be 7′ 2″ and effortlessly move around the court has helped the rest of the starters unlock their high-level production. It also gives opposing defenses nightmares once the Celtics start moving around and confusing defenders with their screens and switches.

The Celtics won the entire playoff series before reaching the NBA Finals without Kristaps Porzingis. However, the NBA Finals and the Dallas Mavericks are a different problem altogether. As such, the Latvian big man’s impact will ensure another championship ring for the storied NBA franchise.

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