Kristaps Porzingis hasn’t appeared since sustaining a strained left calf in Game 4 of Boston’s first-round series against Miami on April 29, but he plans to be ready for Game 1 of the NBA Finals. Coach Joe Mazzulla expects there to be some rust, but is confident it'll wear off quickly.
Boston Celtics guard Payton Pritchard, left, guard Derrick White, center, and center Kristaps Porzingis, right, watch from the bench as the Cleveland Cavaliers lead the Celtics during the second half of Game 2 of an NBA basketball second-round playoff series, Thursday, May 9, 2024, in Boston.
Porzingis hasn’t appeared in a game since sustaining a strained calf in Game 4 of Boston’s first-round playoff series against Miami on April 29. The Latvian big man has ramped up his participation level on the court this past week, going through light 5-on-5 workouts with the team. But it's been limited, with no real scrimmaging.
“Obviously, you can't simulate the intensity and speed of the game. It just comes with a little bit of reps,” Mazzulla said. “KP's a great player. I think just because you've been out for a month doesn't mean you have to relearn how to play basketball. He's been doing a lot of great things for his career, he's done a lot of great things for us this season on both ends of the floor. ... I expect him to pick up right where he left off.
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