Kristaps Porzingis might miss Game 3 of the NBA Finals on Wednesday due to a left posterior tibialis dislocation. This isn’t the first time the Boston Celtics have had to contemplate playing without one of their star players this postseason.
Jaylen Brown: “Next Man Up”
Brown isn’t worried. When asked about Porzingis’ potential absence, he said, “Same old, same old.” He acknowledged Porzingis’ impact, praising his contributions throughout the season and playoffs. But Brown emphasized the Celtics’ “next-man-up” mentality. The team prepares for these moments, ready to step up and secure victories no matter who’s on the court.
Porzingis’ Rollercoaster Ride
Porzingis shined in Game 1 after missing significant playoff action with a calf strain, scoring 20 points, grabbing six rebounds, and blocking three shots in a dominant 107-89 win over the Dallas Mavericks. But his Game 2 injury in the third quarter threw his availability for the rest of the series into question. Describing the incident, Porzingis said, “I was going for a rebound, pushed into [Mavericks center Dereck] Lively’s back, and we bumped knees. Something happened, but I kept playing for a while after that.”
Injury Struggles: A Familiar Tune
Injuries have plagued Porzingis throughout his career, making this latest setback particularly frustrating as he’s so close to his first title. “I’ve been through some stuff in my career, and this is a rough patch,” he shared. Despite the setback, he remains optimistic, stating, “But I’m feeling pretty good. Mind is good. We’ll see tomorrow.”
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The Celtics’ Conundrum
Porzingis is a game-changer for Boston, offering both offensive versatility with his three-point shooting and defensive strength with his rim protection. While the Celtics managed to defeat the Cleveland Cavaliers and Indiana Pacers without him—both teams were missing key players—the Mavericks are a tougher, healthier opponent. Luka Dončić has had his own injury issues, but Dallas presents a formidable challenge overall.
Celtics’ Road Ahead
With Porzingis, the Celtics have looked unbeatable. Without him, the path to securing the final two wins needed for a championship becomes much steeper. Boston’s depth and resilience will be tested, but they might still clinch the title if they can rally and adapt.
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