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Sports Illustrated
Sports Illustrated
Sport
Blake Silverman

Joe Mazzulla Explains Why Kristaps Porzingis Missed Second Half in Celtics' Game 5 Win

Celtics coach Mazzulla speaks to reporters after Boston's Game 5 win against the Knicks | Screengrab via NBA Entertainment / SNY TV (@sny_knicks) on X/Twitter

Boston Celtics big man Kristaps Porzingis didn't play in the second half as Boston fended off elimination Wednesday, defeating the New York Knicks 127-102. He has played limited minutes through the majority of the second-round series as he continues to suffer side effects from a viral illness he first dealt with in March.

After playing a series-high 24 minutes in Game 4, Porzingis logged just 12 minutes in Game 5. Following the game, Celtics coach Joe Mazzulla clarified why Porzingis didn't play in the second half, confirming that his symptoms were still hindering him, as opposed to keeping him out of the lineup due to a schematic decision.

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