Kristaps Porzingis hasn’t been himself this series, and the Celtics big man has opened up about what’s going on.
People have been wondering what’s up with Porzingis since he left Game 1 against the Knicks.
He barely played, didn’t score, and looked off, which definitely isn’t what you want from your 7’2″ difference-maker in the playoffs.
After the Celtics dropped a heartbreaker in Game 2, Porzingis talked about what’s been bothering him.
“Yeah, I’m dealing with some – I don’t know how to call it, but just not feeling my best at all,” he told reporters after the 91-90 loss at TD Garden. “It just kills me inside that it’s happening in this moment.”
He played a little more in Game 2 – just under 14 minutes, and recorded eight points and four boards.
That statline wasn’t bad for the time he was out there, but it’s obvious he’s nowhere near full strength.
“It’s a tough moment for me to not be able to be with guys,” Porzingis said.
“It’s not an injury or anything, but just not feeling my best. It’s tough for me, honestly, but who cares? Nobody feels sorry for us, sorry for me, and we have to keep going.”
This isn’t totally out of nowhere. The Latvian native missed eight straight games in late Feb/Early March with a viral upper respiratory issue, and it sounds like whatever’s hitting him now could be a continuation of that.
“Probably. Probably,” he said when asked if they’re related. “I’ve had ups and downs up until this point, and just now had a big crash. My energy, my everything hasn’t been good.
“But who cares? Have to look forward, and we’ll get better from this point on.”
Game 3 moves to New York on Saturday. If the Celtics want to take back control of the series, they’re going to need Porzingis to feel like himself again, and soon.
