After the severe defeat of Game 4 in which he did not participate, Kristaps Porzingis wanted to be back on the floor of TD Garden. And it was in the middle of the first quarter that Joe Mazzulla brought in the Latvian pivot. Porzingis will play as best he can 16 minutes for 5 points and 1 rebound, in the 106-88 victory in Game 5. A victory synonymous with his first NBA title.
“From day one, I arrived here with the desire to give everything for this team and this city to win a title,” says the Latvian. “When I got injured, it was a heartbreaking moment for me, and I didn't want to accept it. But tonight I wanted to give everything I had, and I'm very happy to be a part of it, and to have given everything for the team. »
Despite his torn medial retinaculum, the interior really didn't want to abandon his teammates. “Since the last game, I was thinking… 'How can I prepare my body for the next game?' » Porzingis continues. “And today I said to myself: 'I'm going to do everything in my power to make it happen.' The medical staff gave me incredible support and allowed me to play. »
An operation already planned
Hampered by his injury in his 16 minutes of play, Porzingis was far from his best level, but his size and talent offered great minutes to the Celtics
“Obviously what came out (about the injury) is true,” he admits. “There is a tear, the tendon is not in good condition and every step hurts. I took a walk around Dallas and it was swollen. So I didn't know how I was going to play. But with the adrenaline of playing in front of our fans and wrapping up this series, I had to do it. »
Far from being 100%, Porzingis will even need to have surgery this summer with a convalescence of several months, according to ESPN. Latvia can therefore give up on its star pivot for the TQO.
“I tried to hide the pain as much as possible,” concludes Porzingis. “I didn't want the other team to see me limping. They were already targeting me, they knew I was affected, but the medical team did what they could so that I could play. »
