The Boston Celtics traveled to Miami on Thursday night in search of some vengeаnce against the Heat. Despite the fact that Boston is now ten games behind Miami in the NBA standings, there is always a tense atmosphere whenever these teams meet. Last year, Miami won the Eastern Conference Finals by eliminating Boston.

With Kristaps Porzingis contributing to a three-for-four clip from deep, Boston’s offense was absolutely on point on the night. Tragically for the Celtics, Porzingis had to exit the game in the third quarter due to severe ankle pаin and rolling his foot as he tried to block a shot by Bam Adebayo.

While the big man was out with a left ankle ιnjury, his teammates had to go into a 4-on-5 attacking possession. Following a brief pause in action, Porzingis hurriedly made his way to the locker room for some assistance, and it was immediately determined that he would not be able to resume playing. Porzingis could go back to the bench, but he wasn’t required to play again due to the Celtics’ commanding lead.’

 

 

 

 

 

Kristaps Porzingis ιnjury: Celtics forward leaves Heat game after fall

After suffering a left ankle sprain during Thursday night’s game between the Celtics and the Heat, Kristaps Porzingis exited the game. Just over seven minutes into the third quarter, Porzingis sustained the ιnjury. Attempting to block Bam Adebayo’s jump shot, he landed awkwardly, perhaps turning his ankle, and remained down on the floor for a few seconds.

The following possession, the Celtics big man remained near the bench rather than try to rush the floor in defense. At 6 minutes and 52 seconds into the game, Joe Mazzulla subbed out Porzingis and promptly requested a timeout. Then, with a large lead for Boston, Porzingis was deemed unlikely to return and made his way to the locker room with the training staff.

Both Porzingis and the Celtic were having a breakout season when he hurt himself. In 21 minutes of play against a fatigued Heat team, the seven-footer scored 19 points on 6-of-9 field goal shooting and 3-of-4 three-point shooting. The Celtics tied their season-high scoring output in the first half thanks in large part to the big man, who contributed 77 points. Boston went into halftime leading by double digits.

The big man did not return to the bench for Boston following the ιnjury, and Al Horford came in to play for him after his withdrawal from the game. On Saturday night, the Celtics will kιck off a seven-game homestand against the Clippers at TD Garden. Despite his absence for 12 games this season, Boston has gone a perfect ten-2, with five consecutive victories to cap it all. He was last out for Monday’s victory over the Mavericks due to soreness in his right knee.