Kristaps Porzingis available Celtics NBA Finals sweep Mavericks

Porzingis returns from rare tendon injury to play in limited role as Celtics face Mavericks in Game 4. Mavericks fans rejoice!

Kristaps Porzingis, the 7-foot-2 Latvian center, will be back in uniform for the Boston Celtics as they face the Dallas Mavericks in Game 4 of the NBA Finals. Porzingis missed the previous game due to a rare tendon injury in his lower left leg, but after going through an on-court workout before the game, he has been deemed available to play in a limited role.

Celtics coach Joe Mazzulla stated that Porzingis is not quite ready but will be used in specific instances if necessary during the game. This decision comes after Porzingis missed Game 3 due to a tear in the tissue holding tendons in place. Despite this injury, the Celtics have clarified that it is unrelated to a previous calf strain that caused him to miss 10 games earlier in the postseason.

Porzingis has been a key player for the Celtics, averaging 13.5 points and 5.0 rebounds in his first six postseason games. His presence on the court, especially in Game 1 against Dallas, has been impactful with 20 points, six rebounds, and three blocked shots.

In Porzingis' absence, veteran center Al Horford has stepped up as the starting center for the Celtics. Horford, who is seeking his first NBA title at 38 years old, has filled the void left by Porzingis' injury and has been a reliable presence on the court.

Looking ahead, Porzingis signed a $60 million, two-year extension with the Celtics last summer, which will come into effect next season. Despite his injury setbacks, Porzingis remains a valuable asset to the team and will play a crucial role in their pursuit of an NBA championship.