Joe Mazzulla Sends Unexpected Message After Kristaps Porzingis Injury in Game 2

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Matt John | Last updated Apr 24, 2025 1:10 PM ET

The Boston Celtics went into Game 2 of the first-round series already undermanned with Jayson Tatum out due to a wrist injury he suffered in Game 1. It looked like they had suffered yet another blow when Kristaps Porzingis caught an elbow to hie forehead from Magic center Goga Bitadze.

Porzingis stayed in the game to shoot two free throws after Bitadze was called for a flagrant, but had to leave to tend to his forehead. He then reappeared and played the rest of the game when he was subbed back in in the fourth quarter.

The Celtics center not only toughed it out but seemed to take great pleasure in playing through the pain in front of the Boston crowd. Among those who appreciated Porzingis' approach was Celtics head coach Joe Mazzulla.

During Mazzulla's post-game press conference, he gave a unique perspective on Porzingis' approach to the game while also making a rather bizarre admission about watching Porzingis' injury in real time.

"He has an innate ability to take things very serious, but at the same time, have great perspective," Mazzulla said per Celtics.com's Taylor Snow. "I think he can control his environment really well. How he handles the crowd, how he handles the physicality. He can maintain his poise. He has a great way about him, and I do like, he bleeds on the court, I think it's important."

Joe Mazzulla on Kristaps Porzingis’ resilience:

“I like watching him bleed on the court. I think it’s important. And then he comes back in and does his job.” pic.twitter.com/22k4a6pSft
— Taylor Snow (@taylorcsnow) April 24, 2025

Porzingis' contributions helped the Celtics take a 2-0 win over the Magic by beating them, 109-100, in Game 2. He put up 20 points, 10 rebounds, two blocks, and two steals in almost 34 minutes of action.

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

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