About this Episode
In this episode of Podcasty NBA, we analyze the Boston Celtics' dominant Game 5 win over the New York Knicks amid significant challenges including Kristaps Porziņģis' limited play due to an upper respiratory illness and Jayson Tatum's season-ending Achilles injury. We explore how Luke Kornet emerged as a key contributor with stellar defense and efficient offense while discussing Coach Joe Mazzulla's strategic decisions around lineups and player health management during this pivotal playoff series.
Article Discussed: "Celtics coach Joe Mazzulla on Kristaps Porziņģis sitting out second half of Game 5 vs. Knicks: 'He couldn't breathe' - Yahoo Sports"
Author: Ian Casselberry
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Episode Transcript
Niko: Welcome to Podcasty NBA! Today, we're diving into the Boston Celtics' recent Game 5 victory over the New York Knicks in their second-round playoff series. There's a lot to unpack, especially around Kristaps Porziņģis' limited playtime and how Luke Kornet stepped up big for Boston.
Stella: Absolutely, Niko. The Celtics won 127-102, but Porziņģis only played 12 minutes, scoring just one point with one rebound and a block. Coach Joe Mazzulla said Porziņģis didn't play in the second half because he 'couldn't breathe,' which is quite concerning. Meanwhile, Luke Kornet had what might be his best game ever, contributing significantly on both ends.
Niko: Right, Stella. To break down the timeline: Porziņģis started Game 5 after Al Horford had been starting center for the previous three games. Boston went with a bigger lineup due to Jayson Tatum being out with a season-ending Achilles injury. At halftime, with the game tied at 59-59, Mazzulla and Porziņģis decided he would sit out the second half despite being able to play if necessary.
Stella: And that's where Kornet really shined—he scored 10 points on perfect shooting, grabbed nine rebounds, and blocked seven shots. Not only was he a defensive force protecting the basket, but he also moved well offensively in Boston's half-court sets by setting screens and cutting for dunks and layups. Sam Hauser also contributed energy on defense alongside Kornet.
Niko: But there's definitely concern about Porziņģis' health situation. He's been dealing with an upper respiratory illness all season—non-COVID related according to the Celtics—and it’s clearly affecting his performance. He played just 13 minutes in Game 1 without scoring and admitted after Game 2 that he wasn’t feeling his best at all.
Stella: Indeed. Porziņģis said it 'kills me inside that it’s happening in this moment,' showing how much this impacts him emotionally too. He did feel better during Game 4 and played 24 minutes then, but that energy didn’t carry over into Game 5. This lingering illness looms large over Boston as they try to advance without Tatum’s star presence.
Niko: So thematically, this situation raises questions about team depth and adaptability when key players are sidelined or underperforming due to health issues. Kornet stepping up shows that role players can make huge impacts when given opportunities—especially defensively—but can that be enough against a tough Knicks squad?
Stella: That's right. The Celtics have had to adjust their frontcourt lineup significantly with Tatum out and Porziņģis limited by illness. The coach’s choice to start Porziņģis alongside Horford was strategic for size against New York's frontline, but ultimately Kornet’s energy shifted momentum on both ends of the floor. It highlights how unpredictable playoff basketball can be when health challenges arise.
Niko: To sum up: Boston took a commanding win in Game 5 thanks largely to Luke Kornet's breakout performance while Kristaps Porziņģis struggled through illness and limited minutes due to breathing difficulties as explained by Coach Mazzulla. Despite concerns about Porziņģis’ condition and Tatum's injury, Mazzulla expects Kristaps back for Game 6 as they fight to keep their championship hopes alive.
Stella: Exactly, Niko. This episode underscores how critical player health is during high-stakes playoff runs and how teams must rely on unexpected contributors like Kornet when stars face setbacks. We'll see if Boston's adjustments hold up in Game 6 against the Knicks. Thanks for joining us today on Podcasty NBA—we’ll catch you next time!
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