The Boston Celtics faced off against the Washington Wizards on Sunday evening, securing a solid 112-98 victory. While the team celebrated the win, they couldn’t ignore the looming shadow of Kristaps Porzingis’s injury, which has now become one of the biggest concerns for the franchise this season.
Porzingis exited the game during the second quarter due to right heel pain, leaving fans anxiously awaiting updates on his condition. The initial reports labeled the injury simply as "right heel pain". Celtics coach Joe Mazzulla, who didn’t provide any firm details during the postgame press conference, did note, "He seemed to be in good spirits in the locker room," which was at least some comfort to supporters concerned about the severity of the injury.
Before his early exit, Porzingis was having quite the performance, shooting 5-for-6 from the field and scoring 11 points inside just 11 minutes of play. "I banged up my heel a little bit during the first quarter and I kept playing," Porzingis explained to reporters after the game as noted by NBC Sports Boston. "It was nothing major, honestly. More like a precautionary thing. It was pretty sensitive. I told the medical staff, and they just pulled me out of the game. I don’t think it’s anything major.”
The injury is particularly concerning due to Porzingis’s notorious injury history. Having undergone foot surgery over the summer, he missed the beginning of the season and had only recently returned, playing just seven games so far this season. This latest setback could potentially add to the lengthy list of injury woes he has experienced since entering the NBA. Remarkably, Porzingis has only played 65 or more games once since the 2016-17 season and missed significant playoff time as well.
On the other hand, the Celtics have proven resilient. The team, now standing at 21-5 this season and holding the second seed in the East, has shown they can win games without their starting center. Jayson Tatum led the team with 28 points and 12 rebounds, and Payton Pritchard stepped up with his second consecutive double-double, contributing 15 points, 11 rebounds, and six assists.
Luke Kornet took over the starting center duties following Porzingis's exit. He made the most of his increased minutes, finishing with season highs of 11 rebounds and seven points, showcasing his ability to step up when needed. Kornet’s performance included igniting the Celtics’ offensive rhythm, allowing the team to maintain their lead against the Wizards.
“I think he did really well,” Mazzulla commented on Kornet's showing. With Al Horford sitting out due to rest, having Kornet ready and proactive helped destined the Celtics to dominate the Wizards at Capital One Arena. Kornet’s previous game performance had already instilled some confidence, having recorded 12 points and seven rebounds against the Detroit Pistons just days prior.
While the Celtics handled the Wizards comfortably, the real concern centers on the potential impact of Porzingis’s injury moving forward. With three days off before their next matchup against the Chicago Bulls at TD Garden, there might be some hope for recovery. Porzingis himself mentioned, "I think I should be fine for the next game. We will see. We have three, four days off, so we’ll see," providing at least some hope for his swift return.
Despite the uncertainty, the Celtics look well-planned to make do without him, having proven to be efficient even when he isn’t available. The intrinsic strength of their roster allows for flexibility, bringing hope to fans as they navigate through the regular season. Many are optimistic, pointing out the favorable schedule in December might work to their advantage as they play through the recovery period.
Headed toward the next game, the conversation around Porzingis will undoubtedly continue. He has become integral to the team’s success, both offensively and defensively. His ability to shoot from beyond the arc at 7'2” adds versatility to the Celtics' gameplay. Without him on the court, opponents can more easily strategize against the remaining key players like Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown.
So what's next for the Celtics? If Porzingis is unable to return quickly, it could mean increased pressure on Al Horford and Kornet to perform effectively through this stretch. Horford has had his own inconsistencies this season but remains a core part of the rotation. All eyes will be on coach Mazzulla as he decides whom to start and how to adjust the strategies going forward.
The success of the Boston Celtics hinges heavily on Porzingis’s health, especially with the playoffs lurking just around the corner. Managing his workload throughout the season has never been more pivotal. The ultimate goal, of course, is to have him ready for the playoffs, as his presence on the court during high-stakes moments is invaluable. Until then, the team’s depth and resilience will be tested, and how they respond to these challenges may well define their season.
