By Johnny Askounis/ info@eurohoops.net
The Boston Celtics are uncertain about Kristaps Porzingis being cleared for Game 3 of the 2024 NBA Finals presented by YouTube TV.
Porzingis, 28, was hurt in Game 2. He was labeled as questionable to play in American Airlines Center on Wednesday, according to the update provided by the C’s on Tuesday.
Per the press release: “Celtics Center Kristaps Porzingis suffered a torn medial retinaculum allowing dislocation of the posterior tibialis tendon in his left leg at 3:27 of the third quarter of Game 2. The injury is unrelated to Porzingis’s prior right calf injury. After consultation with numerous specialists regarding this rare injury, his availability for upcoming games will be determined day-to-day.”
“He is doing anything and everything he can to be able to play,” added head coach Joe Mazzulla, “It is a serious injury. At the end of the day, the medical team is not going to put him in any bad situations. We have taken the decision to play out of his hands.”
Recovering from a right soleus strain, forcing him to the sidelines through the Semifinals and the Finals of the Western Conference, the Latvian big bounced back with 16.0 points, 5.0 rebounds, 2.5 blocks, and 0.5 assists per contest, helping his side jump into a 2-0 lead in a best-of-seven series for the NBA championship.
“I will die out there if we need,” Porzingis stressed commenting on his injury status after Game 2 against his former team, from 2019 to 2022.
“I will see how I am tomorrow. Obviously, I will do whatever I can to be out there tomorrow,” he mentioned after receiving worrying news from the medical staff.