Kristaps Porzingis was visibly uncomfortable during his 14-minute stint in Game 2 of the playoff series against the New York Knicks. Porzingis came off the bench to leave his footprint on the game and emerge decisive for the Boston Celtics. But an illness forced him to step out of the court in quarter 2, resulting in a huge setback for the defending champions, who eventually lost the game by a whisker.
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Kristaps Porzingis Opens up on Illness that Forced Him Out
An injury layoff at this stage could prove to be costly for Boston, and a heartbroken Kristaps Porzingis has come out to express his thoughts on the same, admitting that it is killing him inside that it is happening at this moment.
“I’m dealing with some, I don’t know how to call it, but I’m just not feeling my best,” Porzingis said after Game 2. “I’m not feeling my best at all, but it just kills me inside that it’s happening in this moment, and what I’m super appreciative about is about the support that I have on the inside, and also probably from the fans. But especially here inside the organization in this tough moment for me to not be able to be with the guys. It’s not no injury or nothing, but I’m just not feeling my best, and it’s tough for me, honestly. But who cares? Nobody feels sorry for us, sorry for me, and we have to keep going.”
Porzingis believes his current condition is likely linked to a viral illness that kept him out for nine games in late February and early March. If it turns out to be the case, then it will be a huge blow to the Celtics. Moreover, they are already 0-2 down in the series. Another loss would make the situation more grave, leaving them with a task to come back from a 0-3 deficit, which no team in the rich history of the NBA has ever been able to achieve. The Celtics vs Knicks Game 3 showdown will take place on Saturday, May 10, 2025.