By Johnny Askounis/ info@eurohoops.net
The situation is far from ideal, but the Boston Celtics blew out the New York Knicks, 127-102, to avoid elimination from the 2025 NBA Playoffs presented by Google.
Jayson Tatum is now on the injury list, and Kristaps Porzingis was limited to 12 minutes in Game 5 of the Eastern Conference Semifinals on Wednesday. However, the defending champions reduced the best-of-seven series deficit to 3-2.
“He couldn’t breathe, so he was available if absolutely necessary,” head coach Joe Mazzulla updated the status of the 29-year-old Latvian forward/center, “That was a decision between me and him. He was having just difficulty breathing. He wanted to be out there. If we absolutely needed him, we would’ve been able to go to him and rely on him.”
Dealing with an illness over recent months, Porzingis missed three shots and made 1/2 free throws before sitting out the remainder of the game in TD Garden. He also registered one block and one rebound. With separation nearing 30 points, Portuguese Neemias Queta logged two minutes in the fourth quarter, tallying four points, one assist, and one rebound.
A starter for the team coached by Tom Thibodeau, British O.G. Anunoby was held to 1/12 field goals and six points, besides recording eight rebounds, two assists, and one block. He lasted nearly 36 minutes. French Pacome Dadiet had two points in two minutes, but German Ariel Hukporti stayed on the bench.
Back to Madison Square Garden, Game 6 is scheduled for Friday. If necessary, Game 7 will be played in Boston on Monday.