Kristaps Porzingis left the Boston Celtics court more than a month ago. He has been out with a soleus strain he suffered in Game 4 of their first-round series against the Miami Heat, but his comeback is finally just around the corner.The Celtics’s remarkable 12-2 playoff performance has brought them to the NBA Finals; their supremacy has allowed Porzingis plenty of time to heal.Still, it sucks. It truly sucks. But right now, we are here, and I feel a lot better. I put in many hours to reach this position; I am excited about having some floor activity.
The Celtics acquired Kristaps Porzingis last summer. They sought to improve their offense and defense. Porzingis kept this promise brilliantly. His post-game improved. His deep three-point shooting was exceptional. These changes broadened the Celtics’ offense and made more space on the court. His inside presence strengthened their defense. It was on defense. It made them an even stronger adversary.
Porzingis absent, the Celtics have flourished. Jayson Tatum, Jrue Holiday, and Derrick White were outstanding. So were Al Horford and the Eastern Conference Finals MVP, Jaylen Brown. They led Boston to dominate the Eastern Conference.
“Seeing the level Al was playing at, as well as other guys that stepped in and had minutes, it just shows that the work they have been doing throughout the season is paying off.”
And Porzingis could not be more excited now that the Finals are here.
“It’s amazing,” Porzingis remarked. “Just the energy. Like everyone is buzzing right now, it will be great. Even just looking at the current population emphasizes the scope of the crisis and what is on the line.
It was terrible when Porzingis suffered his injury at the end of April. Boston wanted to fight for a title, so he was at the top of his list of desired locations last summer.
But his dreams were cut short when he helped the team’s playoff run. After the injury, Porzingis remarked, “I’m not going to lie; it’s tough.”
The physical journey has been demanding, but the mental journey has been equally challenging.
“It’s been a long time,” Porzingis remarked. “Maybe at first, everyone believed it would be faster, but it’s a little longer. So it weighs on you. Especially if you want to be part of the team. You want to enjoy helping others. You want to be part of it.
“But just seeing how everyone steps up and has played up to this point is great, and it shows that the hard work we’ve put in all season is paying off. But it’s tough.”
But, Porzingis has developed a mindset of doing whatever it takes to get back on the court. He knows that, at this time of year, making excuses is not an option.
“Who cares? There is no like-kind here. Nobody cares, Porzingis replied. “Just get ready for this. That’s it; I did what I needed daily to return. Please take advantage of this chance we have right now.
Porzingis has dealt with injuries before; this is not the first time. Conditions that kept him out for months dogged his stint with the Dallas Mavericks. He has also struggled through these challenges during his tenure with the New York Knicks.
His expertise beyond his capacity to handle injuries has given him and the whole team a practical viewpoint that has aided him all season.
“One of the best things he’s brought to our team this year was his ability to just sort of stay balanced,” Joe Mazzulla said. He is among the more experienced players. He has traveled a great distance. He has performed here, in Washington, Dallas, New York, and now. He has so observed from every perspective what the NBA is. And he neither gets too low nor too high.
“So, I believe he’s kept that even during his rehabilitation trying to get back. But it was something like that which supported us all through the year. It’s generally the way he tackled each day.
The NBA Finals commence on Thursday, June 6, with the Celtics vs Mavericks. Porzingis intends to utilize the forthcoming days to conclude his recuperation process in anticipation of his return to the court for Game 1. “That is the current plan,” he stated. However, the additional days may have a significant impact. Therefore, each day provides me with further opportunities to enhance my skills.
Before his media interview on Tuesday, Shams Charania of The Athletic had reported that Porzingis would be available for Game 1.
When asked if he was 100 percent, Porzingis laughed and replied, “Good question. “We’ll see.” When asked if he was running pain-free, Porzingis paused for a moment. A smirk crossed his face, and he replied, “Oh, yes.”
Nothing is inevitable, but Porzingis trusts his teammates. “I think the medical staff would not put me out there if they wouldn’t be confident that I’ll be good,” he stated.
The big man needs to catch up on a lot of time. He needs more practice to prepare himself for the intensity of the final games. But he’s ready to do whatever to support his team on the grandest stage.
“I have to feel confident,” Porzingis stated. “I don’t want to walk outside and think about things. Nothing matters. Once out there, I must focus on playing the most outstanding basketball possible to help this team win.
“As I’ve stated, it’s not ideal that I haven’t got any meaningful minutes, but I roll with it. And that is what it is. So I’m just trying to do my best given the situation.”
To hoist Banner 18 home, the Celtics need four more victories; Porzingis is ready to provide everything he has to enable them to achieve their goal.
“As a team, the organization, we’re entering this series with full confidence and knowing that no steps were skipped; the objective is to finish the job.”
Kristaps Porzingis’ return for Game 1 of the NBA Finals significantly boosts the Boston Celtics. He boosts their offense and strengthens their defense. This makes them a more well-rounded and strong team. With Porzingis back, the Celtics are poised to put up a tough fight in the Finals. This sets the stage for an exciting and close series.
