The Celtics may very well have to finish off the NBA Finals without Kristaps Porzingis
The latest Kristaps Porziņģis update isn’t great.
Granted, the Boston Celtics are now up 3-0 in the NBA Finals after holding off the Dallas Mavericks in Game 3 on Wednesday night, and seem well-equipped to finish off the series in four or five games without their star big man. But if you had any hope of Porzingis returning to the court to join the party, it may be close to dashed.
As described by ESPN NBA insider Adrian Wojnarowski before Game 3 on Wednesday night, there is “real doubt” that Porzingis would be available at any point for the remainder of the NBA Finals. Porzingis suffered a rare leg injury known as a posterior tibialis dislocation, caused by a tear of the medial retinaculum. Lots of medical jargon there. His foot’s messed up.
Kristaps Porzingis Update: ‘Real Doubt’ About His Return
“You saw the impact [Porzingis] had in Game 1 after having been out since the first round against Miami,” Wojnarowski told ESPN’s Malika Andrews during “NBA Countdown.” “Now, real doubt about Kristaps Porziņģis’ availability for the rest of these finals.”
There’s “real doubt” that the Celtics will get star big man Kristaps Porzingis back in the 2024 NBA Finals. (Photo by Adam Glanzman/Getty Images)
Porzingis scored 20 points in 20:34 on the court in Game 1, to go with six rebounds and three blocked shots at the defensive end, and a plus-13. His presence was especially missed on defense in Game 3, as the Mavericks outscored the C’s 52-36 in the paint.
However, the Celtics also proved capable of handling the Mavs without Porzingis in the lineup. They got key contributions from reserves in elevated roles. Sam Hauser and Xavier Tillman combined for 12 points on 4-of-5 shooting, all from three-point range, plus seven rebounds. Tillman also blocked two shots.
It’s clear at this point that the Mavericks have virtually zero chance of winning four straight in the NBA Finals, and their hopes of even winning a do-or-die Game 4 is low. As of Thursday, Game 4 is a pick-em at the Draftkings Sportsbook, with both the C’s and Mavs sitting at -110 on the moneyline.
Either way, it sounds like the Celtics are preparing to finish the job without Porzingis, and look toward fixing his leg in time for the start of next season.
Matt Dolloff is a writer and digital content producer for 98.5 The Sports Hub. Read all of his articles here.
