The team’s quick postseason run — highlighted by 4-1 victories in the first two rounds over the Heat and Cleveland Cavaliers, and a 4-0 sweep of Indiana in the Eastern Conference Finals — has provided extended recovery time for the Latvian.
Despite a reluctance to make predictions on Porzingis’ future availability, Mazzulla expressed little concern about how the center will handle the intensity and physicality of an NBA Finals appearance after spending more than a month off the floor.
Boston is 9-1 this postseason in games Porzingis has missed, but Mazzulla believes the Celtics are a better team with their 7-footer manning the middle.
“Obviously, you can’t simulate the speed and intensity of the game, which I think just comes with a little bit of reps,” Mazzulla said. “KP’s a great player. Just because he’s been out for a month doesn’t mean you have to relearn how to play basketball. I expect him to pick right back up where he left off. Obviously, there will be a little bit of rust.”
Porzingis spoke publicly Tuesday for the first time since May 4, and discussed the “long process” he’s endured in working towards a return. The veteran said he’s taken part in light practices “and I’m feeling much better,” adding that the lack of actual game minutes “hasn’t been perfect” for gauging his level of conditioning.
Porzingis averaged 20.1 points, 7.2 rebounds and 1.9 blocks in 57 regular season games. He averaged 14 points, 5.7 rebounds and 1.5 blocks in the Miami series before suffering his latest injury. The former All-Star missed 25 regular-season games in 2023-24, and the Celtics were 21-4 without him.
“I have to feel confident. I don’t want to go out there and be thinking about something,” Portzingis said. “Once I’m out there, it has to be full focus on trying to play the best basketball I can and help this team. It’s not ideal that I haven’t had any real minutes. But I roll with the punches. I’ll just try to be the best I can be with the given circumstances.”