What is Kristaps Porzingis’ ‘freak’ injury?

After two Celtics wins, the NBA Finals move to Dallas. It is a vital game for the Mavericks who have Luka Doncic, their star, wrapped up in cotton wool. The point guard is receiving both injections and painkillers over recent days in order to alleviate a chest bruise that has hampered his ability to move at ease. It is one of three injuries the Slovenian has suffered across these games.

Doncic is not the only relevant player with some sort of physical issue. On the Celtics roster, Kristaps Porzingis has, according to his franchise, a “freak injury”: a torn medial patellar retinaculum affecting the posterior tibial tendon in his left leg. It is a rare ailment that has only 32 documented cases in the English-language medical literature from 2006 He is currently listed as ‘doubtful’ for the third game.

Porzingis on his “tough, tough time” with injuries

The Latvian power forward was injured in the third quarter of Game 2 in Boston. “I felt something and now I have to deal with it,” he said in remarks picked up by ESPN, “obviously, I’ll do everything I can to play.” The player, a starter in all 57 regular-season games he has played this season for the Celtics, has come off the bench in both of these Finals in a battle for the ring.

“I don’t care,” Porzingis assured when asked about whether he thinks about his injuries. “I’ve been through some things in my career and, obviously, this is a rough patch. It’s tough ... it’s just, it’s a tough time.”

The former CB Sevilla player had a huge impact in the Finals opener. He scored 11 of his 20 points in the first quarter against the Mavs. In the second, he scored 12. “He’s doing everything he can to be ready to play,” Celtics coach Joe Mazzulla said. “It’s a serious injury. Our medical team won’t put him in any bad situation.” On his chances of participating, the coach said, “We’re going to leave it up to the doctors.”

When is Game 3 of the NBA Finals?

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This is an idea shared by Porzingis: “It’s something I’ll leave in the hands of the medical staff. They will determine if I can play or not. But for my part, like I said, nothing is going to stop me unless they tell me ‘you’re not allowed to play.’ That would be the only reason I wouldn’t be on the court.”

His injury and possible absence would undoubtedly be a blow to the Celtics who are on course for what would be a record-breaking 18th ring: it would be their first since 2008, 16 years ago. Without his presence, Al Horford will have to stop a Luka Doncic that, despite his physical issues, is almost unstoppable. Luke Kornet or Xavier Tillman could also have more opportunities to play, although this is a risky option against the quality of the Slovenian and Kyrie Irving, who would surely be able to take advantage of them as a weaker point in the Celtics’ back line.