Statements
Kristaps Porzingis Injury Update: Uncertainty Surrounds Celtics Star's Game 3 Availability
Boston Celtics big man Kristaps Porzingis may be heading straight back to the sidelines after a significant injury scare in the NBA Finals. Porzingis suffered a "torn medial retinaculum, allowing dislocation of the posterior tibialis tendon" in his left leg. He is considered "day-to-day" moving forward, casting doubt on his availability for Game 3 on Wednesday night. This new issue is unrelated to the calf strain that kept Porzingis out for over a month during the Eastern Conference playoffs, yet it is just as concerning.
Porzingis remains optimistic, vowing to do everything he can to be out there for Game 3. A 2006 study indicated there have only been 32 documented cases of a dislocation of the posterior tibialis tendon (the worst-case outcome) in the English language. The medial retinaculum is connective tissue that serves as the roof of the tarsal tunnel (think carpal tunnel, but in the foot). It anchors multiple structures in place, including the tendon of the posterior tibialis. If the retinaculum is torn, the tendon can shift out of place (dislocate), causing pain and instability of the ankle and foot.
Medical Perspective:
Evan Jeffries created a helpful graphic to show where the medial retinaculum and posterior tibialis tendon are located. During a recent press interaction, Porzingis was seen with a wrap and/or brace on his left ankle but appeared to be moving freely. However, walking around is much different than playing in a high-stakes NBA Finals game. If it were solely up to Porzingis, he would play. Yet, the team isn't going to let him take any unnecessary risks.
The Celtics' Dilemma:
With Porzingis' status up in the air, the Celtics must ponder how his absence would affect the team. The Celtics went 9-1 without him earlier in the playoffs. His return in Games 1 and 2 of this series was a significant boost as he scored 32 points, grabbed 10 rebounds, and made five blocks on 12-of-20 shooting in just 43 minutes. The Celtics were plus-25 with him on the floor during those games.
Porzingis can space the floor or exploit switches if guarded by a smaller player. Defensively, he's provided crucial rejections and altered many other shots. He is the Celtics' only true rim protector. His absence would put more pressure on Al Horford and force the Celtics into making interesting lineup decisions. The team could give backup big minutes to non-shooting threats like Luke Kornet or Xavier Tillman, allowing the Mavericks' big men to linger around the basket. Alternatively, they could try to play small-ball with Jayson Tatum or Oshae Brissett at the five, although neither option is optimal.
Despite this unexpected hurdle, the Celtics still have the upper hand in the series with a 2-0 lead. Yet, this matchup may have just gotten a lot more interesting. The Celtics must reconsider their strategy and player rotations moving forward as this unforeseen complication adds another layer of intrigue to what has already been an electrifying NBA Finals.
Final Thoughts:
Whether Porzingis can defy the odds and step onto the court for Game 3 remains to be seen. The Celtics value his contributions immensely and will ensure that any decision to play him is thoroughly vetted by the medical team. The team has taken the decision to play out of his hands because of the vital importance of his health and well-being.
Quotes:
Porzingis himself has stated, "I'm going to do everything I can to be out there tomorrow." Such determination is commendable but must be balanced with the risk of aggravating his injury.
The team's perspective is captured succinctly by a spokesperson: "We've taken the decision to play out of his hands, because of the importance of him. He's going to do everything he can to play, and then we're going to leave it up to our medical team."
As fans and analysts alike wait with bated breath, the Celtics' approach to managing their injury-plagued star will be under the microscope. One thing is certain: whether or not Kristaps Porzingis takes the court, the team's quest for an NBA title has just encountered a significant twist.