Celtics Send 2-Word Kristaps Porzingis Message After Injury Scare in Magic Game

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Josh Valdez | Last updated Apr 23, 2025 9:49 PM ET

The Boston Celtics were already wounded heading into Game 2 of the Eastern Conference Quarterfinals against the Orlando Magic on Wednesday, as Jayson Tatum (wrist) sat out. To make matters worse, starting center Kristaps Porzingis temporarily left after taking an elbow to the head from Goga Bitadze.

The former New York Knick was bleeding and lying on the ground before stepping away to receive treatment. With Tatum already out, any serious injury to another starter would be devastating for the Celtics.

However, Porzingis later healed and returned to the game, and the team delivered an excited message on social media.

"HE'S BACK," the Celtics captioned a clip of the veteran walking back to the court.

Porzingis finished with 20 points (5-14 FG, 0-5 3 PT), 10 rebounds, two steals, and two blocks across 34 minutes in the 109-100 win.

HE’S BACK pic.twitter.com/MJPQ47ZPN7
— Boston Celtics (@celtics) April 24, 2025

Jaylen Brown led all players with 36 points (12-19 FG, 5-7 3 PT) while adding 10 boards, five assists, and one steal in 42 minutes. Paolo Banchero led the Magic with 32 points (12-25 FG, 2-6 3 PT), nine rebounds, seven assists, and two blocks in 43 minutes.

The Celtics are now up 2-0 in the series as the two teams prepare to square off in Orlando for Games 3 and 4. If they advance, they'll face the winner of the New York Knicks-Detroit Pistons series in the second round.

Tatum and company are trying to become the first back-to-back champions since the Golden State Warriors in 2017 and '18, who had arguably the greatest roster ever assembled, headlined by Kevin Durant, Steph Curry, Klay Thompson, and Draymond Green.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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