By Johnny Askounis/ info@eurohoops.net
The Boston Celtics and head coach Joe Mazzulla enjoyed Latvian Kristaps Porzingis as a full participant in team practice on Saturday.
“He did everything the team did,” Mazzulla shared the positive update, “We will go significantly harder tomorrow. Today was kind of moderate. But he went through everything the team did today.”
Porzingis, 28, recently confirmed his return to action from a right soleus strain, previewing Game 1 of the 2024 NBA Finals. Barring a setback as the C’s ramp up preparations ahead of the first clash with the Dallas Mavericks in TD Garden, he will be indeed cleared to play on Thursday.
“You use him effectively because he is a great player and has done a lot of great things for us, just like any other guy,” Mazzulla replied about immediately reinserting Porzingis in the starting lineup.
“You go through what gives us the best chance to win, what gives us the best possible chance to win this series, this game, these matchups, these coverages. And that kind of goes down the line for everyone,” he added, “When KP is at his best, he has been tremendous for us.”
The Latvian big is set to play his first NBA game beyond the opening round of the Playoffs.
“He has been the same,” the Celtics head coach described his player’s approach, “One of the great things about him, he has been through so much in this league that he has a poise and temperament about him.”