In a dramatic twist, Kristaps Porzingis returned to the court for Game 2 of the Eastern Conference semifinals between the Boston Celtics and the New York Knicks after sitting out the previous game due to illness. The talented big man came off the bench early in the game, signaling his readiness to make an impact despite his recent health struggles. Coach Joe Mazzulla noted that Porzingis had been dealing with lingering effects from his illness, which had forced him to miss some regular-season games. Despite a slow start in the first half, Porzingis showed his resilience and determination by suiting up and giving his all for his team.
The Celtics faced further adversity with reserve player Sam Hauser being ruled out for the game due to an ankle sprain sustained in the series opener. This setback added to the challenges for Boston as they aimed to even the series against a formidable Knicks squad. With Porzingis back in action and the team fighting through injuries, the Celtics showcased their determination and grit as they battled to secure a crucial victory in the highly anticipated playoff series. The stage was set for an intense and thrilling matchup, with both teams leaving it all on the court in pursuit of a spot in the conference finals.