Watch Porzingis shoot 3-pointers during Celtics practice ahead of the NBA Finals originally appeared on NBC Sports Boston
With nearly a week to go before Game 1 of the 2024 NBA Finals against the Dallas Mavericks, Boston Celtics center Kristaps Porzingis still has plenty of time to continue his rehabilitation and give himself a chance to play in the series.
Porzingis, who hasn’t played since Game 4 of the first round in April because of 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 and better,” Celtics head coach Joe Mazzulla told reporters at his news conference on Friday. “He’s shooting. He’s done a few drills in practice. So he’s making good progress and he’s confident 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 practice portions seems like an encouraging sign.
Celtics head coach Joe Mazzulla with the latest on Kristaps Porzingis, who was seen shooting 3s and moving quite well during practice on Friday. 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 he 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 opponent’s 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 be a real difference maker on both ends of the pitch.
