Context:

The Boston Celtics faced a challenging game, marked by a significant collapse and poor three-point shooting, yet managed to nearly secure a win. Kristaps Porzingis, a key player, played only 13 minutes due to an illness, leaving the Celtics to rely heavily on Al Horford and Luke Kornet. Coach Joe Mazzulla acknowledged Porzingis' impact on both ends of the court and expressed hope for his recovery in time for Game 2. Porzingis' unique abilities in spacing and vertical play are crucial to the team's dynamics, and his absence was felt deeply. Celtics fans are eager for his return to help balance the series, especially after setting a record for missed three-pointers in the playoffs.

Dive Deeper:

• The Boston Celtics encountered difficulties in their recent game, experiencing a near-win despite a critical breakdown and a historically poor performance from the three-point line.

• Kristaps Porzingis, an instrumental player for the Celtics, was limited to just 13 minutes of play due to an illness, significantly affecting the team's performance and strategy.

• Coach Joe Mazzulla highlighted the importance of Porzingis' contributions on both offense and defense, while acknowledging the team's failure to capitalize on available opportunities.

• The uncertainty surrounding Porzingis' recovery timeline poses a challenge, as his presence is vital for the Celtics, given his unique role in spacing and vertical play.

• Celtics supporters are keenly anticipating Porzingis' return to help adjust the series trajectory, following a game that set an undesirable playoff record for missed three-point attempts.

• Porzingis' absence forced the Celtics to depend more on Al Horford and Luke Kornet, indicating the depth issues the team faces without their star player.

• The impact of the Knicks' strategic trades, specifically designed to counter the Celtics, was evident and compounded by the absence of Porzingis, emphasizing the need for his quick recovery.

• The Boston Celtics nearly won, even after an epic collapse and a record-bad shooting night from 3-point range.

• And they did it despite Kristaps Porzingis playing just 13 minutes and not making a shot from the floor.

• Porzingis left the game in the first half in an understated way and just never came back in.

• The Celtics initially ruled him questionable to return with an illness, and he never got back in the game.

• After Game 1, this is what Celtics coach Joe Mazzulla had to say about the Latvian big guy:

• “Obviously, it impacts the game with his ability on both ends of the floor… It’s not an excuse. We had plenty of opportunities. Hopefully he’s ready for Game 2.”

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• That's not the most reassuring thing in the world.

• But if Porzingis is indeed dealing with an illness, it's probably a tougher thing to predict recovery timeline from.

• The Celtics could certainly use him, rather than having to rely so heavily on Al Horford and Luke Kornet.

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• Porzingis adds a dimension of spacing and vertical ability that Boston's other centers don't. 

• Celtics fans will be hoping to get Porzingis back as soon as possible. They want to even this series right back up.

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• MORE: Celtics set playoff record nobody wants for missing 3-pointers