Porzingis sits Game 4 loss, could’ve played ‘if necessary’

Boston Celtics center Kristaps Porzingis was made available for Game 4 of the NBA Finals against the Dallas Mavericks but didn’t play in the team’s 122-84 blowout loss.

Head coach Joe Mazzulla said pregame Porzingis would only play in “specific instances, if necessary,” according to ESPN’s Tim Bontemps.

Porzingis missed Game 3 due to a dislocation of the posterior tibialis tendon in his left leg. The injury differs from the calf strain he suffered in the first round, which sidelined the Latvian big man for 10 playoff games.

The Celtics are up 3-1 in the championship series. Porzingis came off the bench in Games 1 and 2, recording 20 and 12 points, respectively. The 28-year-old has averaged 13.5 points, five rebounds, 1.8 blocks, and 1.3 assists across six postseason games.

Xavier Tillman Sr. has played in Porzingis’ absence this series. He recorded three points and four rebounds in 11 minutes in Game 3 and scored three points in seven minutes Friday.

Boston can win its NBA-record 18th title Monday.

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