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The reigning NBA champions, the Boston Celtics, find themselves in a 0-2 hole after two games at TD Garden in the Eastern Conference semifinals against the New York Knicks.
Following the game, head coach Joe Mazzulla and Kristaps Porzingis spoke about the Latvian center’s recurring health issues that sidelined him for eight games late in the regular season.
“Since his return, he’s been grappling with it sporadically, pushing through as best as he can, but it seemed to be too much for him during that game. I was unaware of the situation until I found out while the game was in progress. He’s been managing it well since he came back and has made himself available. It was just challenging for him to carry on yesterday, so we’ll see how he copes moving forward,” Mazzulla commented, according to Boston.com.
Porzingis also opened up about his health status.
“I’m experiencing some— I don’t quite know how to describe it. I just haven’t been at my best. It’s really frustrating to face this right now,” the Latvian center expressed after the game.
He attempted to convey how it has impacted his performance.
“I’ve experienced various highs and lows leading up to this point. Right now, I’ve hit a significant low. My energy levels and overall wellbeing just haven’t been right. But it doesn’t matter; I need to stay focused, and I trust we will improve from here.”
Despite the challenges he’s facing, Boston’s center understands the necessity to push through, especially with the team down 0-2 as they head into two games at Madison Square Garden.
“It’s not an injury or anything serious, just not at my peak. It’s genuinely tough for me. But it doesn’t matter; no one will feel sorry for us or for me — we just have to keep moving forward,” Porzingis concluded.
