Kristaps Porzingis said he was “ready to die on the court” after suffering an injury scare during the Celtics’ 105-98 win over the Mavericks in Game 2 of the NBA Finals on Sunday night.
The 7-foot-2 center appeared to be injured while guarding Mavericks forward P.J. Washington midway through the fourth quarter and remained in the game for some time, causing concern for Celtics fans.
“I feel good,” Porzingis told reporters. “I’m feeling good. I don’t think it’s anything serious. But I’ll see about it tomorrow and then I’ll make a judgement call. But I’m OK. I’m OK.”
Porzingis said the injury was unrelated to the right calf strain he suffered in the first round against the Heat, but after being cautious for a few minutes, he left the game with 4:40 left and did not return.
“I just kept playing… I had some bruising and scrapes during the game, but I’m OK,” Porzingis said, later adding that it was “not hard to play at all.”
“I’m willing to die out there if I have to,” he said with a laugh, “so I just kept going, but I obviously had my limits, so it was smart to bring Al out.” [Horford] Go back and finish the game.”
Porzingis was unsure of the exact nature of the injury, saying,[it’s] Something. I don’t even know what it is to be honest, but yeah, I’m OK… obviously something happened a little bit, but I’ve got a few more days and, trust me, I’ll do my best to come back and get going.”
He also said he feels “a little better” conditioning-wise after missing playing time early in the playoffs.
“It was a really good comeback game. [in Game 1]It’s hard to get in a rhythm like that, but I felt like I did a good job tonight and helped the team win, so that’s all we can take moving forward.”
Porzingis had 20 points, six rebounds and three blocks in 20 minutes of action in Boston’s 107-89 Finals opener against the Celtics last Thursday.
The NBA All-Star recorded 12 points, four rebounds and one assist before being ejected in Game 2.
Celtics Head Coach Joe Mazzulla said after the game: Porzingis has not had a relapse of his previous calf injury, he said, adding that he’s “feeling good.”
Porzingis is scheduled to undergo imaging tests on Monday and said he is confident he’ll be able to play in Game 3 at Dallas on Wednesday. According to ESPN.
For Porzingis, this will be his first season with the Celtics since being traded to the Wizards in June 2023.
The former Knicks first-round draft pick was originally traded to Washington from the Mavericks in 2022.
