Boston Celtics center Kristaps Porzingis. Peter Casey-USA TODAY Sports

Celtics' Kristaps Porzingis is under a minutes restriction

By Mike Santa Barbara | Last updated Jun 8, 2024 5:59 PM ET

Contrary to earlier reports, Boston Celtics center Kristaps Porzingis is under a minutes restriction.

Speaking with reports on Saturday, Porzingis responded, "Yes," when asked if he was playing under a limited workload. However, after a triumphant return from injury in Game 1 of the NBA Finals, he's shocked even himself with how well he's responded.

"Looking back now at the game, I don't think I even expected myself to be able to be moving so well," Porzingis said via Dan Roche of WBZ. "Now being able to have two days in between to prepare my body again, getting even better conditioning for the next game will be huge."

After missing 10 games with a calf strain, Porzingis was available for the Finals opener against the Dallas Mavericks on Thursday. Celtics head coach Joe Mazzulla said the Latvian big man wouldn't start the game but wasn't under a minutes restriction.

1st game back in the lineup ✅
1st-career NBA Finals game ✅

...and Kristaps Porzingis came up BIG.

20 PTS (8-13 FGM)
6 REB
3 BLK

Celtics take a 1-0 in the #NBAFinals presented by @YouTubeTV! pic.twitter.com/hPYDbPGrkL
— NBA (@NBA) June 7, 2024

Called upon early in Game 1, Porzingis responded with a huge outing, recording 20 points, six rebounds and three blocks in limited time. In fact, he became only the second player in Finals history to score 20 or more points in 21 minutes or fewer.

Porzingis is a massive addition to an already stacked Celtics lineup, proven by his impact on Boston's 107-89 win in Game 1. He's happy to be back contributing but knows he and his team can't let up, especially against Luka Doncic and the talented Mavericks.

"There's a lot more work to be done, and tomorrow, we get another chance on our home floor," Porzingis said.

Mike Santa Barbara

Mike Santa Barbara is a Wilmington, Delaware native (Yes, it's a real place) with over a decade of sports writing experience. A diehard Philadelphia sports fan, he has two dogs named after Flyers and cried real tears when the Eagles won Super Bowl LII. You can follow him on Twitter at @mike__sb

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