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Kristaps Porzingis Injury Update: Uncertainty Surrounds Celtics Star's Game 3 Availability
The Boston Celtics might be without their star big man, Kristaps Porzingis, once again due to a significant injury scare during the NBA Finals. Porzingis suffered a "torn medial retinaculum, allowing dislocation of the posterior tibialis tendon" in his left leg, casting doubt on his availability for Game 3 on Wednesday night. This new issue is unrelated to the calf strain that kept him out for over a month during the Eastern Conference playoffs.
Porzingis' Optimism
Despite the severity of the injury, Porzingis remains optimistic and is considered "day-to-day" moving forward. He had a wrap and/or brace on his left ankle while speaking to reporters on Tuesday and appeared to be moving freely. However, walking around is much different than playing in a high-stakes NBA Finals game. Porzingis' determination is clear: "I'm going to do everything I can to be out there tomorrow."
Understanding the Injury
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 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.
Evan Jeffries created a helpful graphic to show where the medial retinaculum and posterior tibialis tendon are located, making it easier for fans and analysts to understand the nature of Porzingis' injury.
The Team's Perspective
Despite Porzingis' eagerness to play, the team is not going to let him take any unnecessary risks. "We've taken the decision to play out of his hands, because of the importance of him," said a team spokesperson. "He's going to do everything he can to play, and then we're going to leave it up to our medical team."
His status remains up in the air, but there are critical considerations on how his absence would affect the Celtics. The team went 9-1 without him earlier in the playoffs, showing they can adapt without their star. However, his return in Games 1 and 2 of this series was a massive boost. Porzingis tallied 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.
Impact on Team Strategy
Porzingis' ability to space the floor or hunt switches if guarded by a smaller player makes him a versatile offensive threat. Defensively, his massive rejections and altered shots have been crucial, as he is the team's only true rim protector. His absence would place more pressure on Al Horford and force the Celtics into some interesting lineup decisions. They could give backup big minutes to non-shooting threats like Luke Kornet or Xavier Tillman, which 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, but this matchup may have just gotten a lot more interesting. The team 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.
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. Until then, both the team and fans will be holding their breath, hoping for a favorable outcome.
Quotes
"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."