Watch Porzingis shoot 3-pointers at Celtics practice before the NBA Finals originally appeared on NBC Sports Boston
Almost a week left Game 1 of the 2024 NBA Finals against the Dallas Mavericks, there is still plenty of time for Boston Celtics center Kristaps Porzingis to continue his rehab and give himself a chance to play in the series.
Porzingis, who hasn’t played since Game 4 of the first round in April due to a right calf strain, was seen shooting 3-pointers during Friday’s practice at the team’s facility in Brighton, Massachusetts.
What is the latest update on his status?
“He’s getting better,” Celtics head coach Joe Mazzulla told reporters at his news conference on Friday. “He’s out there shooting. He went through a couple drills in practice. So he’s progressing well and he’s confident in where he is right now.”
We still don’t know if Porzingis will play in the series opener next Thursday, but the fact that he’s shooting 3-pointers and participating in parts of practice seems like an encouraging sign.
Celtics head coach Joe Mazzulla with the latest on Kristaps Porzingis, who was seen shooting 3-pointers in practice on Friday and moving around quite well. pic.twitter.com/ADyy0R7do1
– NBC Sports Boston (@NBCSBoston) May 31, 2024
Getting Porzingis back into the lineup would be a huge boost for the Celtics.
He averaged 20.1 points, 7.2 rebounds and 1.9 blocks per game during the regular season. Porzingis can score in the paint and can stretch the floor as a quality 3-point shooter. He is also a very good interior defender who protects the rim by blocking or altering opponents’ shots.
The Celtics are capable of beating the Mavericks without Porzingis, but their chances of hoisting the Larry O’Brien Trophy would certainly improve if the star center could play in the series. He has the ability to make a difference on both ends of the court.
