Porzingis Returns After Head Injury in Playoff Game Against Magic
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BOSTON — May 17, 2024 — Boston Celtics center Kristaps Porzingis‘s return after a head injury in a playoff game against the Orlando Magic was a key moment. The injury occurred during Wednesday night’s game when Porzingis and Goga Bitadze battled for a rebound, resulting in a flagrant foul. Despite a gash on his forehead, Porzingis, displaying resilience, re-entered the game. For updates on the injury and Porzingis’s condition, keep reading.
Porzingis Returns After Head Injury in Playoff Game Against Magic
Boston Celtics center Kristaps Porzingis briefly left Wednesday night’s playoff game against the Orlando Magic after suffering a head injury,but returned to a roaring ovation.
The Incident
The incident occurred with 55 seconds remaining in the third quarter of Game 2 of the first-round playoff matchup. Porzingis and Magic center Goga Bitadze were battling for a rebound when Bitadze’s elbow made contact with Porzingis’ head [1].
Officials reviewed the play and determined that Bitadze had wound up and thrust his elbow into Porzingis,
assessing him a flagrant foul.
A Warrior’s Return
Porzingis went to the locker room with a gash on his forehead
, but his absence was brief. During the video review, he emerged from the locker room to a thunderous applause.
Porzingis receives a loud ovation as he returns to the court to shoot free throws with a giant band-aid on his forehead.
Despite dried blood streaking down the back of his head and a bandage on the center of his forehead,
Porzingis returned to the court to shoot his free throws. He made one of two before exiting the game again.
Game Impact
At the time of the injury, the celtics held an 81-71 lead over the Magic. Porzingis later returned to the bench area midway through the fourth quarter, his head cleaned up, and re-entered the game with 7:15 remaining.
The Celtics ultimately secured a 109-100 victory over the Orlando Magic, taking a 2-0 lead in the series [2].
Porzingis’ Playoff Performance
Prior to the injury, Kristaps Porzingis had been a key contributor for the Celtics in the playoffs. His stats for the 2024 playoffs include [3]:
- 6 games (4 starts)
- 24.8 minutes per game
- 13.5 points per game
- 5.0 rebounds per game
- 1.3 assists per game
FAQ: Kristaps Porzingis Injury
- What type of injury did Kristaps Porzingis sustain?
- He suffered a gash on his forehead.
- Who caused the injury?
- Goga Bitadze of the Orlando Magic.
- Was Bitadze penalized?
- Yes, he was assessed a flagrant foul.
- Did Porzingis return to the game?
- Yes,he returned after receiving medical attention.
