When describing his injury, which now leaves his status for Game 3 of the NBA Finals in doubt, Kristaps Porzingis frequently used the word “random.”
“It’s kind of a random situation,” Porzingis said. “I felt something, and now I have to deal with it. As we said, it’s going to be day-to-day, and I’ll see how I am tomorrow, and obviously, I’m going to do everything I can to be out there tomorrow, and we’ll see.”
The Porzingis injury was the story of the day at the American Airlines Center as the Boston Celtics and Mavericks held practice and media availabilities prior to Game 3.
Just before the Celtics were set to begin their media sessions, the team provided an update stating the following:
“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.”
“Random” and “rare” are fitting descriptors for the injury. According to a 2006 study, there were just 32 documented cases of a dislocated posterior tibial tendon in all of the English literature.
As reporters tried to make sense of the medical terminology used in the update, Celtics head coach Joe Mazzulla provided a more sensible update down the hall.
“I mean, listen, he’s doing anything and everything he can to be ready for the game tomorrow. It’s a serious injury. At the end of the day, our team and the medical team is not going to put him in any bad situations,” Mazzulla said. “We’ve taken the decision to play out of his hands because the importance of him. He’s going to do everything can he to play. We’re going to leave it up to our medical team. That’s really it.”
The Celtics have been in this situation before. Porzingis has missed 10 games this postseason, with the Celtics posting a 9-1 record in those contests. However, Porzingis is a difference-maker for Boston, especially in this series. The Celtics are a plus-25 with Porzingis on the floor and a plus-2 without him. His plus-23 point differential trails only Jrue Holiday (+27) and Jayson Tatum (+23) for the team high.
“We’re just so much of a better team when we have him, a 7-foot-4 unicorn, right? He’s as talented as they come,” Tatum said.
“He presents so many matchup problems on the offensive end. Then on the defensive end, somebody that can affect shots, protect the rim as well as he does. So, yes, we’ve had success and found ways to win without him. Obviously, we’re better when he’s on the team when he’s out there playing with us.”
Porzingis was in good spirits at practice. The big man walked with a wrap on his ankle but without a limp, though he was not seen on the floor during the portion of practice available to the media.
Around the team, and Porzingis himself, there seems to be some optimism regarding his availability for Game 3.
“I’m optimistic, and as I said, I will do everything I can to be out there tomorrow,” Porzingis said.” I’ll leave it in the medical staff’s hands to determine whether I can go or not. But from my side, as I said, nothing is going to stop me unless I’m told I’m not allowed to play. That’s the only reason I would not be out there.”
After suffering the injury in Game 2, Porzingis stretched his leg with a resistance band on the bench. He returned for 3:26 of work in the fourth quarter.
“I’m feeling pretty good,” Porzingis said Tuesday. “Mind is good. We’ll see tomorrow. I cannot trick them into allowing me to play, but I will try.”
For now, all the Celtics can do is wait and see. While the potential loss of Porzingis certainly puts the Celtics in a bit of a bind, they will be ready for the challenge, looking to take a commanding 3-0 series lead and inch within one win of Banner 18.
“KP has been tremendous for our group, not just in the Playoffs, but all season long. It’s obvious him on the floor just helps elevate us to a different level,” Jaylen Brown said. “But we’ve been priding ourselves on next-man-up mentality. We prepare for these moments to be able to play with or without anyone. It just requires somebody else on our team to step up and everybody to buy in to get a full team victory.”
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