Things are looking up for the Boston Celtics with Kristaps Porzingis making a return to practice on Saturday. This marked his first full participation since suffering a right soleus strain in Game 4 of the Celtics’ first-round series against the Miami Heat.
“He did everything the team did,” Celtics head coach Joe Mazzulla said in a league-provided video. “We’ll go significantly harder Sunday. Saturday was kind of moderate, but he went through everything that the team did today.”
While the Celtics have managed without Porzingis, his return is anticipated to boost their pursuit of their 18th championship.
“He’s a great player. He’s done a lot of great things for us,” Mazzulla noted. “Just like any other guy, you go through what gives us the best chance to win, what gives us the best possible chance to win this series, this game, these matchups. When KP is at his best he’s been tremendous for us. We know he’ll give that to us.”
Boston has taken a cautious approach to Porzingis’ injury, and no date for his return to game action has been set. This is the latest in a series of injuries for Porzingis, but Mazzulla is confident in his ability to readjust.
“He’s been through so much in this league that he has a poise and a temperament about him,” Mazzulla said. “He’s been the same. His highs don’t get too high. His lows don’t get too low. He’s got great perspective.”
The Celtics will face the Mavericks in Game 1 of the 2024 NBA Finals on Thursday at TD Garden.
