Boston Celtics center Kristaps Porzingis turned a gruesome third-quarter collision into a rallying moment during Game 2 against the Orlando Magic, leaving the court bloodied but returning minutes later to a roaring TD Garden crowd. The incident occurred when Orlando’s Goga Bitadze inadvertently elbowed Porzingis in the forehead during a rebound scramble, resulting in a deep gash that required five stitches
The WWE-esque Comeback
Porzingis, known for his theatrical flair, grinned through the injury, later comparing the adrenaline-fueled scene to a wrestling spectacle. “I love my WWE moments,” he told reporters postgame, acknowledging the crowd’s thunderous applause as he re-entered to shoot free throws with a bandaged forehead His resilience paid off: He finished with 20 points, 10 rebounds, and critical defensive stops in the 109-100 victory
Playoff Grit and EuroBasket Ambitions
The Latvian star’s toughness extends beyond the NBA playoffs. Despite early postseason shooting struggles (3-10 FG in Game 3), Porzingis remains pivotal for Boston’s title defense. Off the court, he’s committed to representing Latvia at FIBA EuroBasket 2025 on home soil, stating, “This summer, I’ll be there-health permitting”
As the Celtics aim to close out Orlando, Porzingis’ blend of durability and showmanship keeps him at the center of Boston’s championship blueprint-and fans’ viral highlights.: AP via NBA.com: TrashTalk: Rotowire: FIBA.basketball
