It will be straightforward to overlook that the Celtics have been lacking, nicely, their lacking hyperlink for the final ten days. A five-game profitable streak by a median of practically 18 factors per sport will do this. However don’t get it twisted, Boston is healthier with huge man Kristaps Porzingis.
In a much-anticipated return, Porzingis completed with 20 factors on an environment friendly 7-of-14 from the sector (5-of-9 from three) with eight rebounds and a block and steal within the Celtics 119-94 throttling of the Pistons.
KP performed just below twenty-two minutes in his comeback after not enjoying since March seventh. His minutes restriction supplied for an attention-grabbing substitution sample.
“Felt nice, felt nice. As a result of I had the minutes restriction, simply completely different spurts of enjoying, barely enjoying within the first [half], after which within the second, I had an extended stretch,” Porzingis mentioned after enjoying simply 6 minutes within the first quarter after which over fifteen straight within the second half. “It’s one thing uncommon, however aside from that, it’s at all times good to be on the market.”
Between stints, Porzingis rode a stationary bike behind the bench to maintain heat. As regarding as that will appear, he was positive to assuage any issues about his well being.
Following Boston’s loss in Denver, Porzingis felt some tightness in his hamstring after posting 24 and 12 in opposition to Nikola Jokic and the defending champs. MRI imaging revealed one thing small, however with the playoffs simply across the nook and Boston with a sizeable lead within the East, the Celtics medical workers determined to err on the aspect of warning. Porzingis missed the next 4 video games of the street journey and wished to return Thursday in opposition to the Suns.
“It’s a unique mindset right here than different groups I’ve been on, however in fact, me as a participant, I at all times need to be on the market in opposition to — no disrespect — in opposition to Detroit, whoever, common season, finish of season, I need to be on the market. I simply [keep in mind] the large image,” Porzingis mentioned.
Had it already been the postseason or if seeding was nonetheless in play, Porzingis was assured that he might have performed by the minor harm. Now, with the Celtics up ten video games over Milwaukee and seven.5 forward of OKC, he and the group could be cautious within the closing fourteen video games, particularly with six-game street journey on the horizon.
“[He] performed the minutes he wanted to play. Got here out good. I talked to him after the sport. It didn’t appear to be he missed an excessive amount of of a beat on both finish of the ground,” head coach Joe Mazzulla mentioned. “So, it’s good to see, that even with that point off, he can kinda proceed that rhythm.”