After the game, Porzingis voiced his appreciation for the Celtics' fanbase, seemingly acknowledging playing through his struggles in the process. Despite not being at his best, the Latvian big man is doing all he can to play for the fans.

Kristaps Porzingis said that the virus caused his energy to crash right before Game 1, causing him to be relegated to a bench role.

ESPN NBA Insider Shams Charania said on ABC’s coverage before Knicks-Celtics Game 3 on Saturday that Porzingis is still dealing with the effects of a virus that had ailed him back in March. Charania said the Celtics star thought he had felt he improved, but things have been up-and-down since the second round began this week.