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Confronting challenges, the Boston Celtics triumphed over the Orlando Magic with a score of 109-100, securing a 2-0 advantage in their best-of-seven playoff series.
Alongside the absence of Jayson Tatum for Game 2 in the inaugural round of the 2025 NBA Playoffs presented by Google, Kristaps Porzingis required five stitches in his forehead after an elbow from Goga Bitadze.
“I noticed the significant amount of blood as soon as I glanced at my hand. So I figured I would definitely need some stitches,” he recounted his first impression, receiving a rousing applause from the audience at TD Garden. “I definitely enjoy those WWE moments. It’s just part of the game. You know me; I’ve always relished engaging with the fans. I could tell that if I got hit again and there was blood, the crowd would just eat it up. It was a cool experience. It was fun.”
Brutal Bitadze vs. Porzingis pic.twitter.com/AJe7NrooYz
— Eurohoops (@Eurohoopsnet) April 24, 2025
The 29-year-old Latvian player soon returned to the court, playing close to 34 minutes. With a 5-for-14 shooting performance—including an 0-for-5 from three-point range—he achieved a double-double with 20 points, 10 rebounds, along with two blocks and two steals.
“How could I possibly stay off the court? With five stitches, I’m not just going to say I can’t play anymore. My legs work fine. Everything’s functioning. Naturally, I’m going to play,” he expressed during the postgame press conference after the victory on Wednesday.
The third game of the Eastern Conference Quarterfinals will take place at Orlando’s Kia Center on Friday.
“Similar to the previous game, I felt like we struggled a bit in the third quarter. The most critical issue was their 13 offensive rebounds. Against a team of this caliber, you can’t afford to give them second-chance opportunities,” commented Franz Wagner of the Magic, who scored 25 points, dished out four assists, grabbed four rebounds, and snagged two steals in Game 2.
Georgian player Bitadze contributed two points, three rebounds, one block, and one assist in just seven minutes of play. German Tristan da Silva remained on the bench, while Moritz Wagner (recovering from left knee surgery) continued to be out.
Portuguese Neemias Queta did not see any action for Coach Joe Mazzulla’s team.
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