As it became clear that Jayson Tatum would miss game two of the first-round NBA playoff series against the Orlando Magic, two prominent players from the Boston Celtics stepped up to fill the void, securing a 109-100 win.
Jaylen Brown shone brightly with an impressive 36 points, 10 rebounds, and five assists in a standout performance, but the night truly belonged to fan favourite Kristaps Porzingis. He made a remarkable return to the court after suffering a bloody cut on his forehead, contributing 20 points to the Celtics’ victory.
During the third quarter, Porzingis left the game due to the gash sustained from an elbow delivered by Goga Bitadze, but he made it back just in time to take two free throws.
Upon review, the foul on Bitadze was elevated to a flagrant foul.
As Porzingis made his way back, he was met with resounding applause, sporting dried blood along the back of his head and a bandage at the centre of his forehead. After returning to the game, he managed to convert one of his two free throws before heading off once more.
Kristaps Porzingis smiles after enduring a bloody moment in the playoffs. Twitter
Porzingis later revealed he received five stitches to close the wound and was determined not to stay off the court.
“I appreciate my WWE moments … I always enjoy engaging with the crowd,” Porzingis remarked.
“We won’t allow anyone to intimidate us. We expect this sort of behaviour from teams.
“It doesn’t surprise us. But we are ready to respond. Honestly, how could I stay on the sidelines – ‘Oh, I’ve got five stitches, I can’t play any longer.’ No. Everything was functioning, so naturally, I wanted to be out there.”
With Tatum sidelined due to a bone bruise in his right wrist—a rare playoff absence for him—the Celtics now lead the series 2-0.
The action resumes on Saturday (AEST) in Orlando.
Compiled by SportArena.com.au.
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