Celtics’ Porzingis misses second half of Game 1 loss to Knicks because of illness

BOSTON (AP) — Celtics center Kristaps Porzingis didn’t play in the second half of Boston’s loss to the New York Knicks in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference semifinals because of an illness.

Porzingis wasn’t on the floor initially with the team Monday night as they warmed up prior to the start of the second half.

He came out of the tunnel and joined them briefly in the bench area, but then returned to the locker room. Al Horford started the third quarter in his place.

The Celtics announced Porzingis was questionable to return with an illness that they specified was non-Covid.

Reserve Sam Hauser also didn’t return after leaving the game early in the fourth quarter with a sprained right ankle.

Celtics' Porzingis misses second half of Game 1 loss to Knicks because of illness | iNFOnews.ca
Boston Celtics center Kristaps Porzingis, right, battles for a rebound against New York Knicks guard Josh Hart, left, during the first half of Game 1 of an NBA basketball second-round playoff series Monday, May 5, 2025, in Boston. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa)

Porzingis was 0 for 4 in 13 minutes of the first half, with four rebounds and an assist. Hauser missed both of his shots in four minutes of action.

___

AP NBA: https://apnews.com/nba

News from © The Associated Press, . All rights reserved.
This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Join the Conversation!

Want to share your thoughts, add context, or connect with others in your community?

The Associated Press

The Associated Press is an independent global news organization dedicated to factual reporting. Founded in 1846, AP today remains the most trusted source of fast, accurate, unbiased news in all formats and the essential provider of the technology and services vital to the news business. More than half the world’s population sees AP journalism every day.