The Boston Celtics faced a challenging Game 2 against the New York Knicks on May 7, 2025, at TD Garden, hoping for a stronger performance from Kristaps Porzingis. After leaving Game 1 early due to illness, Porzingis was available but struggled to make an impact in the Celtics' heartbreaking 91-90 defeat. Coming off the bench, he played just 14 minutes—one minute more than in Game 1—scoring 8 points on 3-of-5 shooting and grabbing four rebounds. Unfortunately, he finished the game with a minus-9 rating.
Porzingis expressed his frustration after the game, stating, "I’m dealing with some—I don’t know how to call it. I’m just not feeling my best. I’m not feeling my best at all. It kills me inside that it’s happening in this moment," as reported by NBC Sports Boston. His sluggish performance raised concerns about his ongoing health issues, which he believes are related to a viral infection that sidelined him for eight consecutive games during the regular season.
During his absence in the regular season, Porzingis had averaged an impressive 21.1 points over his final ten games, shooting 51.1% from the field and 44.1% from three-point range. However, the timing of his current illness couldn't be worse, with the Celtics now down 2-0 in the Eastern Conference semifinals. Porzingis reflected on the support he has received from the organization and fans, stating, "What I’m super appreciative about is the support that I have inside (the organization), also probably from the fans. But especially here inside the organization. This is a tough moment for me to not be able to be with the guys. It’s not no injury or nothing. Just not feeling my best. It’s tough for me, honestly. But who cares? Nobody feels sorry for us, sorry for me and we have to keep going."
The Celtics' situation worsened as they made NBA history by becoming the first team in the league's play-by-play era (since 1996-97) to lose two games in the same postseason after leading by 20-plus points. In Game 1, they had blown a 20-point lead, losing 108-105 in overtime and missing an astonishing 45 three-pointers—the most missed threes by a team in a postseason game.
Coach Joe Mazzulla opted to start Al Horford at center in Game 2, alongside Jrue Holiday, Derrick White, Jayson Tatum, and Jaylen Brown, while Porzingis came off the bench. He had gone scoreless in the first half of Game 1, shooting 0-for-4 in 13 minutes before exiting. Meanwhile, Sam Hauser was sidelined for Game 2 due to an ankle sprain sustained in Game 1.
As the series shifts to New York for Game 3 on Saturday, May 10, 2025, at 3:30 p.m. ET, the Celtics will need Porzingis to find his rhythm to turn the tide against a Knicks team that has capitalized on their mistakes. The upcoming game is critical for Boston, as they look to avoid falling into a deeper hole in the series.
Despite the challenges, Porzingis remains optimistic about his recovery and the team's future. "Probably. I’ve had ups and downs throughout—up until this point," he said, acknowledging the difficulties he's faced. "Just now, had a big crash. My energy, my everything, just hasn’t been good. But who cares? I have to look forward and I know we’ll get better from this point on."
The Celtics will need to rally and find a way to overcome their current struggles. With Porzingis' talent and the support of his teammates, there is hope that they can turn things around and make a strong push in the series against the Knicks.
