Porzingis’ Game 3 status in question due to ‘rare’ leg injury originally appeared in NBC Sports Boston
The Boston Celtics have shared a discouraging update on star superstar Kristaps Porzingis.
In a statement released Tuesday afternoon, the Celtics revealed that Porzingis “suffered a medial retinaculum tear, allowing dislocation of the posterior tibial tendon in his left leg” during Game 2 of the NBA Finals on Sunday. The injury, labeled “rare” in the Celtics press release, is unrelated to the calf strain that kept Porzingis sidelined for most of the playoffs.
Porzingis is considered everyday, although C coach Joe Mazzulla called the injury “serious.”
Shortly after the Celtics released their statement, Porzingis spoke about his injury to reporters. After telling the media after Game 2 that he will “die out there”, he reiterated his desire to play in Wednesday’s Game 3.
“I am. Of course. I have to be,” Porzingis responded when asked if he was optimistic. “Like I said, I’ll do everything I can to be there tomorrow. We’ll see.”
C fans looking for positive news can take solace in ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski reporting that “there is no indication that Porzingis will be ruled out and not allowed to try for Game 3.”
As Boston’s Kristaps Porzingis told reporters, he is determined and hopes to continue trying to play through the hamstring injury in the Finals. For now, there is no indication he will be ruled out and will not be allowed to try out for Game 3, sources said. https://t.co/jyhg7n9leK
-Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) June 11, 2024
Porzingis revealed he suffered the injury while battling Dallas Mavericks big man Dereck Lively II for a rebound. He remained in the game but appeared to aggravate the injury with 6:20 remaining in the fourth quarter while defending wing P.J. Washington on a drive.
The Latvian big man’s status will be one of the main stories in Game 3 in Dallas, which is scheduled for 8:30 p.m. ET on Wednesday. The Celtics will look to take a 3-0 series lead.
