Kristaps Porzingis Returns as Celtics Aim to Close Out Mavericks in Game 5 of NBA Finals

Kristaps Porzingis returns for the Boston Celtics in Game 5 of the NBA Finals against the Dallas Mavericks after missing two games due to injury. Learn more about his performance and impact.

Boston, Bollywood Fever: Kristaps Porzingis made his return to the court on Monday night as the Boston Celtics aimed to close out the Dallas Mavericks in Game 5 of the NBA Finals.

Before the game, Celtics coach Joe Mazzulla informed reporters that Porzingis would be available, stating, “We expect to see him tonight.” The 7-foot-2 Latvian received a warm reception from the crowd as he checked into the game with 6:49 remaining in the first quarter.

Porzingis missed his first shot, a three-point attempt.

Mazzulla noted that Porzingis, who had missed the previous two games due to a dislocated tendon in his left ankle, would not have any minutes restriction.

Although he was cleared for a limited role in Game 4, Porzingis did not play during Boston’s 122-84 loss in Dallas. Initially listed as questionable on Monday morning, he participated in an on-court workout about 2 1/2 hours before tipoff, which included shooting, light-contact post work, and lateral movement drills. The Celtics clarified that his tendon issue is unrelated to the calf strain he suffered on April 29 in the first round against Miami, which caused him to miss 10 games.

Porzingis has averaged 13.5 points and 5.0 rebounds in his first six games this postseason, including a standout performance in Game 1 against Dallas with 20 points, six rebounds, and three blocked shots.

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