Will Kristaps Porzingis Play Game 3 vs Mavericks? Shocking Injury Update Could Devastate Celtics Fans

After a long break off-court, Boston Celtics‘ Center Kristaps Porzingis was finally back. But his return might be short-lived. The latest report by the Celtics brought a piece of frightening news for fans. The star player has sustained a serious injury which has affected his availability for the game. According to the official report, Porzingis suffered a tear in the medial retinaculum, a tendon of the knee, that resulted in the dislocation of the posterior tibialis, a tendon located in the feet, in his left leg.

In simpler terms, Kristaps Porzingis might not be walking for some time. The injury occurred at 3:27 of the third quarter of Game 2 and is unrelated to his previous right calf injury that had kept him on the bench. However, the latest official report suggests that the Latvian remains QUESTIONABLE for Game 3 vs Dallas. This is also being reported as a rare injury and his availability would be determined day-to-day. So, do not hang your heads just yet!

Head coach Joe Mazzulla addressed the situation and reassured everyone that Kristaps Porzingis was doing “anything and everything” he could to show up for Game 3. He said, “It’s a serious injury. At the end of the day, the medical team is not going to put him in any bad situations. We’ve taken the decision to play out of his hands.” Porzingis is not losing hope. He’s said that he’ll do “everything” to be out there tomorrow, claiming “Nothing is going to stop me unless I’m told I’m not allowed to play.” 

So far, it’s not looking good for him. The medical team would not let him jeopardize his health. Does Porzingis’ absence endanger the Celtics’ 2-0 lead over the Dallas Mavericks? Dallas has been struggling. They lost with an 18-point difference in Game 1 and a 7-point difference in Game 2. Kyrie Irving has been exceptionally poor. Will the Mavs be able able to utilize Porzingis’ absence in their favor?

Will Game 3 see a comeback from an “accountable” Kyrie Irving in the likely absence of Kristaps Porzingis?

Kyrie Irving’s performance against the Boston Celtics has been devastating. Game 1 saw a contribution of only 12 points, 3 rebounds, and two assists from him. Game 2 was not any better. He managed only 16 points. While that stat might’ve proved to be a glimmer of hope for some, however, he managed only 2 rebounds and 6 assists. Considering his average of 21.9 points, 3.7 rebounds, and 5.1 assists in the 2023-34 post-season, his current performances are subpar.

The Mavs are just not able to score, and Luka Doncic agrees. In an interview, he said, “Our defense, has not been bad. We just can’t really score. That’s our main problem right now. I think we’re getting some great looks & like I said we have confidence everybody can make a shot that’s shooting the ball on our team so we just gotta keep believing it.” Doncic is the team’s only saving grace now. For what it’s worth, his teammate Irving is deeply apologetic about his recent performance.

Kyrie admitted to apologizing to Luka for not showing up. “It started w/ me, just telling my hermano I gotta play better for him, alongside him, in order for us to accomplish our goal… just letting him know it’s my fault, taking accountability for not playing particularly well.”

He also expressed a certain difficulty in being able to convert simple bucket chances. Whether you believe it or not, he hasn’t scored a single 3-pointer in this series. A stat line that reads 0-8 in the NBA Finals attached to a big name like Kyrie Irving is simply shocking.

On the other hand, the Celtics had been cruising even before Porzingis rejoined them. Will his absence truly make a noticeable dent? And if it does, will the Mavs be able to capitalize on this opportunity? Only time can tell.

Until then, check out what Shaq’s former manager has to say about Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese.