Inside The Celtics

Kristaps Porzingis Provides Positive Update After Injury Scare

Kristaps Porzingis produced 19 points and four rebounds in the Celtics' 143-110 win over the Heat on Thursday.

Bobby Krivitsky

Sam Navarro-USA TODAY Sports
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The only negative from the Boston Celtics' 143-110 win over the Miami Heat on Thursday came with enough concern to undermine one of their most impressive performances this season.

Just under five minutes into the second half, Kristaps Porzingis lunged to contest a Bam Adebayo baseline attempt near the basket. When the seven-foot-three center landed, he came down on the latter's foot, rolling his ankle.

But after limping off the court and getting helped down the tunnel by the Celtics' training staff, the Latvian native returned to Boston's bench a bit later. 

He appeared to be in good spirits, even pretending to box with Jaylen Brown during a timeout.

After the game, Porzingis spoke with the media, conveying, "I just went to contest Bam's shot, and as I came down, just landed on his foot, and (then) I rolled my ankle; not too bad, just, in the moment, it kind of, he got me pretty good in the moment, but feeling pretty good now."

The former All-Star, who the Celtics ruled doubtful to return but did not declare out for the rest of Thursday's matchup, said he could've gone back in, but given the circumstances, airing on the side of caution was the wise approach.

Given this contest took place in late January, not in the playoffs, that was the more sound decision regardless of the score or the opponent.

And while he's relieved about how he feels now, Friday will bring a firmer understanding of the situation.

"I hope so," expressed Porzingis when asked if he thinks he'll be on a day-to-day timetable. "I think tomorrow will be clearer, how it is doing, especially after a flight too, and all that, but as of right now, feeling pretty good and staying positive."

Further Reading

Celtics Maturation Molded by Experience: 'It Builds, Like, an Armor'

Here's What Stood Out as Celtics Top Heat in One of Their Best Performances This Season

Celtics Finding Joy in Basketball and Each Other's Company: 'We've Been Blessed'

Fixated on Winning, Jayson Tatum Again Proves He's Not 'Bored Making the Right Play Over and Over'

Ime Udoka Assesses Tatum and Brown's Growth Since Coaching Them: 'A Lot of Potential That I Haven't Tapped Into'

Jrue Holiday Responds to Celtics Saying He's Sacrificing Most: 'Not Mad at My Situation'

Brad Stevens Shares What Celtics Are Looking to Add and How He Hopes to Do So

Derrick White Opens Up About Journey from Uncertainty He Belonged in the NBA to an All-Star Caliber Guard

Jaylen Brown Quieting Doubters, Validating What He Always Believed: 'Earn Everybody's Trust'

Joe Mazzulla Discusses Identity, Evolution of Celtics' Offense: 'Balance of Pace and Execution'

Jaylen Brown Shares His View of What Defines 'Celtics Basketball'

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Bobby Krivitsky
BOBBY KRIVITSKY

Bobby Krivitsky's experiences include covering the NBA as a credentialed reporter for Basketball Insiders. He's also a national sports talk host for SportsMap Radio, a network airing on 96 radio stations throughout the country. Additionally, he was a major-market host, update anchor, and producer for IMG Audio, and he worked for Bleacher Report as an NFL and NBA columnist.

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