Overview

• Kristaps Porzingis returned for Game 2 of the Eastern Conference semifinals but was limited to 14 minutes off the bench, scoring eight points and grabbing four rebounds.
• The Latvian center has been battling a non-COVID illness since March, which previously sidelined him for eight straight regular-season games and continues to impact his energy and performance.
• Porzingis described his condition as a 'big crash,' expressing frustration that his symptoms are flaring during this critical playoff series against the Knicks.
• NBA analyst Charles Barkley warned during halftime of Game 2 that the Celtics' championship hopes could falter if Porzingis does not regain full health soon.
• Boston now trails 2-0 in the series, with Porzingis’ ongoing health struggles adding to the team’s challenges as the series shifts to Madison Square Garden.