BOSTON (AP) — Kristaps Porzingis returned for the Boston Celtics just in time to help them win an NBA championship.
The 7-foot-2 Latvian came back on Monday night after missing the previous two games, scoring five points with one rebound in 16 minutes to help the Celtics beat the Mavericks 106-88 in Game 5 and win their 18th NBA title.
“I gave everything I could. I gave everything I could,” he said. “And, man, it feels great to be a champion.”
Porzingis missed Game 3 with a dislocated tendon in his left ankle. He was cleared to play a limited role in Game 4, but never took off his warmups during Boston’s 122-84 loss in Dallas.
He had been listed as questionable Monday morning before going through an on-court workout 2 1/2 hours before tipoff. The workout included shooting, some light-contact post work and lateral movement drills.
Celtics coach Joe Mazzulla told reporters before Monday’s game that Porzingis would be available and said, “We expect to see him tonight.” Porzingis drew a big cheer when he got off the Boston bench to check into the game with 6:49 left in the first quarter.
He missed his first shot, a 3-point attempt, then made one of two free throws. He added a pair of baskets, including a fourth-quarter dunk that gave Boston a 21-point lead — and finished 2 for 4 from the floor.
