Kristaps Porziņģisonly played 12 minutes in the Boston Celtics'127-102 winover the New York Knicks in Game 5 of their second-round NBA playoff series. He only scored 1 point, along with 1 rebound and 1 block. Asked why Porziņģis didn't play in the second half, Celtics head coach Joe Mazzulla said, "He couldn't breathe." In Wednesday's victory, that created an opportunity forLuke Kornetto play what was likely the best game of his career with 10 points, 9 rebounds and 7 blocks. Not only was he a strong defensive presence, but he also moved well in Boston's half-court game, setting screens and cutting to the basket for dunks and layups. (Kornet shot 5-of-5 from the floor.) However, Mazzulla insisted that Porziņģiscould have played if necessary. But the two of them decided at halftime that he would sit out, despite the game being tied at 59-59. The coach also told reporters that he expected Porzingis to play Friday in Game 6 of the series. Mazzulla started Porziņģis in Game 5 after startingAl Horfordat center for the past three games in the series. Boston went with a bigger lineup with Tatum out, starting Porziņģis and Horford withJaylen Brownin the frontcourt.Derrick WhiteandJrue Holidaystarted at guard. Mazzulla may have been right that a bigger lineup was necessary against the Knicks' frontline with Tatum out. But it was Kornet andSam Hauserwho provided the needed energy, especially on defense at the basket. Yet for those who believe the Celtics can't repeat as NBA champions without Porziņģis making an impact — especially withJayson Tatumsufferinga season-ending torn Achilles injury— the center's lack of effectiveness has to be a concern. Porziņģis has been struggling with an upper respiratory illnessthroughout the season, which the Celtics say is a a non-COVID-19 illness, andplayed 13 minutes in Game 1, scoring no points. "I'm dealing with some — I don't know how to call it. I'm just not feeling my best. I'm not feeling my best at all," Porziņģis said after Game 2,via Boston.com. "It kills me inside that it's happening in this moment." Porziņģis saidhe felt better in Game 4and played 24 minutes. But whatever energy he had on Monday wasn't there on Wednesday. The question now for the Celtics is whether or not they're a better team with Kornet on the court and if that will be enough to win two more games against the Knicks.
