BOSTON — The Boston Celtics faced a tough blow in their opening game of the Eastern Conference semifinals against the New York Knicks as star big man Kristaps Porzingis was forced to leave the game due to a non-COVID illness. The incident occurred with 7:34 left in the second quarter, and despite a brief return to the court at halftime, he did not play again, leaving the Celtics to navigate the remainder of the game without one of their key players.
Porzingis’s absence was felt deeply as the Celtics squandered a 20-point lead, ultimately falling to the Knicks 118-115 in a thrilling overtime finish. The Latvian center had logged only 12:58 of playing time before his exit, failing to score on all four of his shot attempts while managing to grab four rebounds.
“It impacts the game because of his ability on both ends of the floor,” Celtics coach Joe Mazzulla said after the game. “Hopefully, he’s ready for Game 2.” Mazzulla did not elaborate on the specifics of Porzingis’s illness, leaving fans and analysts alike speculating about the big man’s condition as the series progresses.
The Celtics had entered the game with high hopes, buoyed by their recent playoff success. They had just dispatched the Orlando Magic in five games during the first round, with Porzingis averaging 12.0 points and 5.8 rebounds in that series. His performance against the Knicks, however, was a stark contrast, as he struggled to find his rhythm before being sidelined.
Porzingis’s health has been a concern throughout his career, marked by a series of injuries. He missed a significant portion of the Celtics' 2024 championship run due to a calf strain and underwent surgery for a foot injury over the summer. Earlier this season, he also missed eight games due to an upper respiratory illness, which raises questions about the current ailment’s potential impact.
“KP is big for us,” said Celtics guard Jrue Holiday. “He’s obviously so versatile, he can either play in the paint or stretch the floor. We definitely miss him, but we’ve always had this next man up mentality.”
In Porzingis’s absence, veteran Al Horford stepped up to fill the void, starting the second half in his place. Horford, along with backup center Luke Kornet, was tasked with handling the Knicks’ frontcourt without the 7-foot-2 Porzingis. Kornet performed admirably, finishing the first half with a plus/minus of +12 in just eight minutes of play.
Despite their early lead, the Celtics struggled to maintain their momentum. They set an NBA playoff record by missing 45 three-pointers during the game, a statistic that underscores their shooting woes. The Celtics shot only 22 percent from beyond the arc, a dismal performance that ultimately contributed to their downfall.
As the series continues, all eyes will be on Porzingis’s health leading into Game 2, scheduled for Wednesday, May 7, 2025, at 7 p.m. ET. The Celtics will need him at full strength if they hope to rebound from this disappointing loss and level the series against a formidable Knicks team.
Porzingis has been a crucial part of the Celtics' strategy this season, averaging 19.5 points, 6.8 rebounds, 2.1 assists, and 1.5 blocks per game while shooting 48.3% from the field and 41.2% from three-point range in 42 games. His ability to stretch the floor and create mismatches has made him a game-changer for Boston, especially in high-pressure situations.
With the playoffs on the line, the Celtics are hopeful that Porzingis can recover quickly and contribute to their quest for another championship. The team has shown resilience in the past, but the absence of their star player poses a significant challenge as they navigate the playoffs.
As the Celtics prepare for Game 2, fans will be eagerly awaiting updates on Porzingis’s condition. The stakes are high, and the anticipation is palpable as Boston looks to bounce back from a tough loss and regain control of the series.
