After a dominant performance in Game 1 against the Mavs, the Latvian quickly became the highlight of the Finals. Come Game 2 Kristaps Porzingis did not disappoint as he started quite well again. However, as the game approached closeout, KP suffered a torn medial retinaculum injury. While going for the rebound as Jaylen Brown attempted his second free throw, KP was sandwiched between Dereck Lively and Jaden Hardy. This caused an awkward landing on his left leg, the cause of it all.

In the fourth quarter, Joe Mazzulla put KP on the bench. After further evaluation, this was deemed a serious injury. The Unicorn missed Game 3, although it wasn’t a huge problem for the Celtics, who took care of things on the road. On the flip side, according to recent reports, KP might suit up for Game 4 on Monday! NBA insider Shams Charania said on Run It Back, “I’m told there is a chance Kristaps Porzingis plays in Game 4. He’s got that torn medial retinaculum. That’s a two-part injury”.

“I got a little more information about it last night. It’s really some swelling that’s developed around that ankle area. But, he is moving, and he is doing workouts. He worked out yesterday… As long as his movements are the way that the Celtics medical staff wants to be, he does have a chance to play potentially in Game 4,” Shams concluded.

KP dropped 20 points along with 6 rebounds and 3 blocks in just over 20 minutes in Game 1. That being the highlight, it seemed as if the Cs were looking at their 2nd straight sweep if things played out the same. On the other hand, available or not, his injury is pretty serious and any wrong move could severely worsen his situation.

Not only that but there haven’t been too many instances an athlete has suffered the “rare” injury that KP is struggling with, Alexis Sanchez- the Inter Milan soccer star being one of them, as per Dr. Rajpal Brar.

Kristaps Porzingis “expects” to make it for Game 4?

The torn posterior tibial tendon in KP’s left ankle has only 32 documented cases worldwide (in English) as per CBS. This is only KP’s 3rd playoff appearance. Going as far as the Finals, the Latvian wants more action. KP just recovered from an ankle injury that he suffered in Game 4 of the first playoff round, which kept him out for 38 days. Coming into the Finals, he was pretty confident in his ability to play at his best pace. However, there’s been no dip in his attitude.

Though as serious as his latest injury seems to be, KP does not want to make a big deal out of it. “I felt something in my ankle, kept playing. But I knew something happened. … The next day, we did all this MRI and saw what happened. So, now, as the report says, it’s day-to-day, and I expect myself to be able to play.“, he added. 

His enthusiasm to be on the floor speaks volumes. The story has taken a twist and all KP needs is the medical staff’s approval. Do you think KP should risk his ankle, when his team already has a 3-0 lead? Let us know in the comments.

While you’re here, check out what Shaq’s former agent, Leonard Armato, has to say about the Caitlin Clark vs Angel Reese debate.