BOSTON — “I’ll play tomorrow. I’m going to play tomorrow.”
The news coming out of Celtics practices the past few days didn’t leave much doubt that Kristaps Porzingis would play in Game 1, but the Celtics big man removed the last shred of it on Wednesday at the Celtics final practice before the NBA Finals tip-off.
Porzingis admitted that, having been out since April 29 with a strained calf, how much he could play in Game 1 would depend on how he feels as the game goes on. KP had been out the past two rounds — Celtics series wins over the Cavaliers and Pacers — and still has tape on his calf. He was taking extra care to stretch things out before Boston’s light practice on Wednesday.
Asking Porzingis to go from more than a month of non-activity to the highest level of basketball in the NBA Finals is a big ask, but one Boston needs to make.
Porzingis’ presence will be critical for the Celtics in the NBA Finals. The Mavericks defense — the best in the NBA over the final 20 games of the regular season — is based on prioritizing rim protection, dropping bigs Daniel Gafford and Dereck Lively II into the paint. Porzingis, who shot 37.5% from 3 this season (on 5.1 attempts a game), makes that much more difficult. Boston’s offense is five out and bombs away from 3, and that goes better with Porzingis on the court than Al Horford (although he is capable from beyond the arc). Plus, on defense, Porzingis gives Boston a rim-protecting big to counter Luka Doncic.
Expect Dallas to text its former center early and often, but if Porzingis can hold his own, it’s a huge boost for Boston.