Head coach Joe Mazzulla revealed that Kristaps Porzingis "couldn't breathe" and was only available in case of emergency during Boston's Game 5 win.
The Boston Celtics stayed alive in the series on Wednesday, defeating the New York Knicks 127-102 in Game 5 to cut the series deficit to 3-2—despite playing without Jayson Tatum, who's out with a torn Achilles, and getting limited minutes from Kristaps Porzingis due to illness.
Player of the Game
Jaylen Brown
34
Jaylen Brown
Points
Accuracy
Rebounds
Assists
Porzingis started the game but played only 12 minutes. The Latvian big man finished with just 1 point, one rebound, and two turnovers. After the game, head coach Joe Mazzulla explained just how tough it was for Porzingis even to take the court.
"He couldn't breathe, so he was available if absolutely necessary," Mazzulla said in the post-game conference. "That was a decision between me and him. He was having just difficulty breathing, but he wanted to be out there. If we absolutely needed him, we would've been able to go to him and rely on him."
Porzingis has been battling an untimely illness throughout the second-round series. "It kills me inside," he said.
According to ESPN's Shams Charania, he has been receiving IVs, immune boosters, and adjusting his sleep schedule to try to feel better.
Game 6 is set for Friday at Madison Square Garden. If necessary, Game 7 will be played in Boston on Monday.
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