Kristaps Porzingis has been an integral part of the Boston Celtics’ success this season, establishing himself on both ends of the teams, thereby elevating the Celtics to a whole another level.
While the team’s performance against the Brooklyn Nets was spotless, Porzingis’ untimely injury scare ruined the high spirits of the team.
Ankle scare: Porzingis’ unfortunate Collision with Cam Johnson
Earlier today, the Boston Celtics destroyed the Brooklyn Nets beating the team by a massive 50 points, giving the Nets no room for escape. With everything going according to the team’s plans, it seemed like the team in Green could overlook the Nets.
However, in the second quarter of the game, Kristaps Porzingis collided with the Nets’ Cam Johnson, and went down with pain in his ankles, a recurring theme for the player, completely scaring the Boston Celtics fraternity. Before Kristaps was sidelined, the star was impeccable for the team.
Playing just 16 minutes in the game, Porzingis managed to score 15 points and secure 5 rebounds, shooting 6 of 9 from the field. Leading the team from the front was youngster Payton Pritchard, who took the opportunity to shine against the Nets. Pritchard erupted, scoring 28 points from the bench, and also chipped in with three assists and four rebounds.
Jayson Tatum scored a modest 20 points, while Derrick White also made the most of the opportunity to play effortlessly against the Nets, ending the game with 27 points. Despite the team’s high-flying performance, the talk has been regarding Porzingis’ injury, which in itself signifies the player’s importance to the squad. Two days ago, as part of the recovery from the star’s lower back contusion, Porzingis sat out for the team’s game against the Nets.
Precautionary measures: HC Joe Mazzulla’s update on Porzingis’ status
Boston Celtics’ HC Joe Mazzulla gave Celtics fans widespread relief after Kristaps Porzingis injury scare in the first half after his collision with Nets’ player Cam Johnson. Mazzulla calmed fans down, reassuring that the altercation with Porzingis was nothing that the fans had suggested it to be.
Addressing the injury concerns, Mazzulla said, “He’s good, He (Kristaps Porzingis) told me he was fine.” This news will bring much relief to the team who rely on the player’s unique skillset and dominance in the paint to facilitate their success.
This season, Kristaps has played in 40 games for the Celtics, starting in all 40 games. In those games, Porzingis is averaging 20.2 points per game along with 6.9 rebounds per game, which brings in much needed reliance for the team in Green.
With the star’s injury not being significant, Celtics fans can breathe a sigh of relief and carry on with their impeccable season.
What are your thoughts on Kristaps Porzingis this season? How crucial is the player to the team’s success? We are eager to know your thoughts so feel free to comment below.
