Statements
Kristaps Porzingis Injury Update: Uncertainty Surrounds Celtics Star's Game 3 Availability
Boston Celtics big man Kristaps Porzingis may be heading straight back to the sidelines after a significant injury scare in the NBA Finals. Porzingis suffered a "torn medial retinaculum, allowing dislocation of the posterior tibialis tendon" in his left leg. He is considered "day-to-day" moving forward, casting doubt on his availability for Game 3 on Wednesday night. This new issue is unrelated to the calf strain that kept Porzingis out for over a month during the Eastern Conference playoffs.
Porzingis remains optimistic. A 2006 study indicated there have only been 32 documented cases of a dislocation of the posterior tibialis tendon (the worst-case outcome) in the English language. The medial retinaculum is a connective tissue that serves as the roof of the tarsal tunnel (think carpal tunnel but in the foot). It anchors multiple structures in place, including the tendon of the posterior tibialis. If the retinaculum is torn, the tendon can shift out of place (dislocate), causing pain and instability of the ankle and foot.
A Closer Look at the Injury
Renowned physiotherapist Evan Jeffries created a helpful graphic to show where the medial retinaculum and posterior tibialis tendon are located. Porzingis had a wrap and/or brace on his left ankle while speaking to reporters on Tuesday, but he appeared to be moving freely. Of course, walking around is much different than playing in a high-stakes NBA Finals game. While Porzingis himself would prefer to play, the team isn’t going to let him take any unnecessary risks.
Impact on the Celtics
Porzingis' uncertain status raises questions about how his potential absence could affect the Celtics. The team went 9-1 without him earlier in the playoffs, but his return in Games 1 and 2 of this series was a massive boost. He had 32 points, 10 rebounds, and five blocks on 12-of-20 shooting in just 43 minutes. The Celtics were plus-25 with him on the floor during those games. Porzingis can space the floor or hunt switches if guarded by a smaller player. On the defensive end, he's provided some massive rejections and has altered plenty of other looks. He's their only true rim protector. His absence would put more pressure on Al Horford and force the Celtics into some interesting lineup decisions.
The team could give backup big minutes to non-shooting threats like Luke Kornet or Xavier Tillman. This would allow the Mavericks' big men to linger around the basket. Alternatively, they could try to play small-ball with Jayson Tatum or Oshae Brissett at the five. Neither option is optimal. The Celtics still have the upper hand in this series with a 2-0 lead. However, this matchup may have just gotten a lot more interesting. The Celtics must reconsider their strategy and player rotations moving forward. This unforeseen complication adds another layer of intrigue to what has already been an electrifying NBA Finals.
Medical Team's Role
Whether Porzingis can defy the odds and step onto the court for Game 3 remains to be seen. The Celtics value his contributions immensely and will ensure any decision to play him is thoroughly vetted by the medical team. As Porzingis put it, "I'm going to do everything I can to be out there tomorrow." The onus, however, ultimately falls on the medical professionals who will have the final say. "We've taken the decision to play out of his hands because of the importance of him," said an insider from the team. With a rigorous evaluation process in place, the Celtics are committed to balancing the urgency of the Finals with the long-term health of their star player.
Quote Highlights
A few key quotes encapsulate the situation effectively:
- "I'm going to do everything I can to be out there tomorrow."
- "The medial retinaculum is connective tissue that serves as the roof of the tarsal tunnel (think carpal tunnel but in the foot)."
- "It anchors multiple structures in place, including the tendon of the posterior tibialis."
- "If the retinaculum is torn, the tendon can shift out of place (dislocate), causing pain and instability of the ankle and foot."
- "We've taken the decision to play out of his hands because of the importance of him."
- "He's going to do everything he can to play, and then we're going to leave it up to our medical team."
As the clock ticks down to Game 3, fans and analysts alike will be keenly watching for any updates regarding Porzingis' status. The Celtics' ability to adapt may very well determine the unfolding drama in this riveting NBA Finals series.