DALLAS — In addition to airing every game of the 2024 NBA Finals on our station, WFAA is also hosting a special presentation called "The Pregame" before each and every matchup in the series. Head here for more information.
Boston head coach Joe Mazzulla said during his team's media availability Tuesday that Celtics big man Kristaps Porzingis is dealing with a "serious injury" and that his usage in Game 3 of the NBA Finals on Wednesday could be in jeopardy.
Porzingis reportedly suffered a torn medial retinaculum, which allowed dislocation of the posterior tibialis tendon in his left leg, according to a report from NBA Insider Shams Charania.
The injury occurred in the waning moments of the third quarter in Game 2 on Sunday, when Porzingis said he felt something after colliding knees with Mavs center Dereck Lively II.
Porzingis played the final minute of the third quarter, and then about three and a half minutes of the fourth quarter before exiting the game entirely.
"I'm optimistic," Porzingis told media after Game 2. "I'll die out there if we need."
While Porzingis may be optimistic, Mazzulla said Tuesday that the team wants too err on the side of caution when it comes to his latest injury.
"We've taken the decision to play out of his hands because of the importance of him," Mazzulla told media on Tuesday. "He's gonna do everything he can to play and then we're gonna leave it up to our medical team."
Previously, Porzingis had been dealing with a right calf strain, which he suffered while playing against the Miami Heat in the first round of the NBA Playoffs. That injury sidelined him for 11 playoff games games over the course of a 38-day absence.
"I will do everything I can to be out there tomorrow," Porzingis told the media during his own availability on Tuesday.
Porzingis hasn't played in Dallas in the two and a half years since he was traded by the Mavericks to Washington, ending his run as Luka Doncic's running mate. The 28-year-old joined the Celtics in a trade last summer.
Porzingis dominated the Game 1 of the NBA Finals, coming off the bench for Boston to contribute 20 points, six boards, six assists and three blocks en route to a 107-89 win over his old squad.
Game 3 of the NBA Finals is scheduled for Wednesday night in Dallas. The Celtics are up 2-0 in the series.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
Also on WFAA.com: