Kristaps Porzingis Suffers ‘Rare’ Leg Injury; Status Questionable for Game 3

Boston Celtics head coach Joe Mazzulla addressed reporters on Tuesday, shedding light on Kristaps Porzingis’ current injury status. Mazzulla revealed that Porzingis is contending with a “serious injury” but is determined to participate in Game 3, exhibiting a steadfast commitment to his team.

Following the disheartening incident during Sunday’s Game 2 against the Dallas Mavericks, the Celtics organization confirmed on Tuesday that Porzingis is now classified as day-to-day. The injury, identified as a dislocation of the posterior tibialis tendon in his left leg, occurred in the third quarter and stands as an independent issue from his prior right calf ailment.

Heading into Wednesday’s pivotal matchup, Porzingis remains officially listed as questionable, leaving uncertainty regarding his availability on the court.

Mazzulla emphasized the importance of prioritizing Porzingis’ health, asserting, “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.”

Porzingis, who returned to action in the Finals opener after a notable absence of 10 postseason games due to a calf strain, showcased his resilience with a commendable performance in Game 1. Despite coming off the bench, he made a significant impact, registering 20 points, six rebounds, and three blocks within a 20-minute timeframe.

Even in the face of adversity, Porzingis demonstrated his unwavering determination by continuing to compete for nearly three minutes post-injury in Game 2. His resolve to not miss any playing time underscores his commitment to the team’s cause.

Sources close to the situation, including ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski, have indicated that there’s no indication Porzingis will be sidelined for Wednesday’s critical game.

In his own words, Porzingis affirmed, “Nothing is gonna stop me unless I’m told I’m not allowed to play,” echoing his resolute stance on the matter.