7:55pm: Appearing on NBA Countdown, ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski said there is “real doubt” about Porzingis’ availability for the rest of the NBA Finals (video link).
5:45pm: Kristaps Porzingis will miss tonight’s Game 3 of the NBA Finals due to a posterior tibialis dislocation in his left leg, the Celtics announced (via Twitter).
The injury occurred late in the third quarter of Sunday’s game as Porzingis battled for rebounding position on a free throw. The team called his condition “rare” and said it’s not related to a right calf strain that kept him out of action for more than a month.
Porzingis has been a difference maker in the first two games of the series, coming off the bench to average 16 points and five rebounds in 21.9 minutes per night. Boston has a +27.7 net rating when he has been on the court vs. Dallas.
Porzingis brushed aside concerns about the injury Sunday night and indicated that he expected to be ready for the next game. However, the decision was ultimately made by the Celtics’ medical staff, who don’t believe it’s wise to let him play. It may be significant that the decision was announced nearly two hours before game time, rather than letting Porzingis participate in warm-ups to see how he responds.
In his pre-game meeting with reporters, coach Joe Mazzulla said the medical team watched Porzingis go through some tests and determined he wasn’t ready, tweets Tim Bontemps of ESPN. Mazzulla added that Porzingis will be considered day-to-day for Friday’s Game 4 and beyond, per Eddie Sefko of Mavs. com (Twitter link).
With two days of rest since Game 2, starting center Al Horford might log more minutes than usual tonight. Horford played 30 and 28 minutes in the first two games against the Mavericks, but he was on the court for 40 minutes during the last game of the Eastern Conference finals against Indiana while Porzingis was sidelined.
Mazzulla may also opt to give more playing time to backup big men Luke Kornet and Neemias Queta. Kornet saw about three minutes of action in Game 1, while Queta hasn’t played yet in the series.
I don’t think he plays again in the series unless the Mavs come back somehow. May as well not risk something that could linger into next year.
Yeah this was a smokescreen. Porzingis is done for the series.
I still think the Celtics sweep the Mavs or 5 games. This series is all about defense and the Celtics just play better defense, even without Porzingis.
its too bad for Porzingis. He finally found a home, a place in a system and another weird injury keeps him from playing. I feel for the guy.
I still can’t get over that series deciding shot Kyrie just took at the end of the game. With the series on the line he takes a floating 27 ft 3-point shot with seven on the clock?
Horrendous decision.
Sure he can make that shot, maybe even four out of 10, but you have to go to the hole at that point somehow. Baffling.
Ooohhhhh nooooOoO ……. really
Yep. Really. Hahaha.
Can Tatum and Brown play together yet? What about Joe, can he coach yet? Talking heads on ESPN aren’t going to like this. Wonder if L.A get as much air time as Boston LMFAO. LETS GO CELTICS.
They eventually gained a 20pt lead without him. Series over.
False narratives from so called experts getting destroyed. I’m also greatful to the Milwaukee Bucks. Only question now is do the mavs pack it in or let Boston get it done at home?
Boston 15 and 2 in the playoffs. Sick run.
I want a sweep ……
East is the Beast again.
No zingus, no problem
Congratulations to all the FOOLS that voted the Mavericks winning this series. All ya sh*t talkers are awfully quiet now aren’t ya?!!!
No all those sport talking heads claiming Kyrie and Luka is the best back court in the NBA when they are exposed. Great coaching by Boston by attacking their weak defense by the 2. That is who should get the praise the Celtics coaching staff. Playoffs and finals is all about match ups and coaching.
Pretty harsh words. I thought the Mavericks would take the series but obviously I missed it on this one. Kudos to the Celtics for the 3-0 lead. Not so much to a couple of their fans LOL