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. Late in the team's Game 2 win over the Dallas Mavericks on Sunday, 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.
Unrelated to Previous Injury
This new issue is unrelated to the calf strain that kept Porzingis out for over a month during the Eastern Conference playoffs. Celtics coach Joe Mazzulla said he has "no idea" if Porzingis will be able to suit up for Game 3. Porzingis, however, remains optimistic, telling reporters, "I'm going to do everything I can to be out there tomorrow."
A Rare and Serious Condition
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. Jeff Stotts, a certified athletic trainer and injury analyst, elaborated on the situation via social media, stating, "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." He added, "If the retinaculum is torn, the tendon can shift out of place (dislocate), causing pain and instability of the ankle and foot."
Evan Jeffries, a doctor of physical therapy, even created a helpful graphic to show where the medial retinaculum and posterior tibialis tendon are located on the body.
Porzingis' Determination and Team Precautions
Porzingis had a wrap and/or brace on his left ankle while speaking to reporters on Tuesday and appeared to be moving freely. However, walking around is much different than playing in a high-stakes NBA Finals game.
If it were up to Porzingis, he would play. To little surprise, the team isn't going to let him take any unnecessary risks.
Mazzulla stated, "We've taken the decision to play out of his hands, because of the importance of him." He further added, "He's going to do everything he can to play, and then we're going to leave it up to our medical team."
Impact on the Celtics
With Porzingis' status up in the air, it's worth considering how his absence would affect the Celtics. The team went 9-1 without him earlier in the playoffs, yet his return in Games 1 and 2 of this series was a massive boost. He had 32 points, 10 rebounds and five blocks on 12-of-20 shooting in just 43 minutes. The Celtics were plus-25 with him on the floor during those games.
Offensively, Porzingis can space the floor to pull the Mavericks' shot blockers away from the rim or hunt switches if guarded by a smaller player. On the defensive end, he's provided some massive rejections and has altered plenty of other looks. He's their only true rim protector.
His absence would put more pressure on Al Horford and force the Celtics into some interesting lineup decisions. The team could give backup big minutes to non-shooting threats like Luke Kornet or Xavier Tillman, which would allow 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, but neither option is optimal.
Series Implications
The Celtics still have the upper hand in this series with a 2-0 lead, but this matchup may have just gotten a lot more interesting. With Porzingis' status uncertain, the Celtics must reconsider their strategy and player rotations moving forward. This unforeseen complication adds another layer of intrigue to what has already been an electrifying NBA Finals.
Whether Porzingis can defy the odds and step onto the court for Game 3 remains to be seen. What is clear is that the Celtics value his contributions immensely and will ensure any decision to play him is thoroughly vetted by the medical team.