Summary
Kristaps Porzingis did not play the second half of the Boston Celtics’ 127-102 victory over the New York Knicks in Game 5 due to difficulty breathing, a consequence of a respiratory illness he has been facing for three months. Celtics coach Joe Mazzulla stated that Porzingis was available if absolutely necessary but opted to sit him out for the remainder of the game. Porzingis finished with one point on 0-3 shooting, while Luke Kornet stepped in, contributing 10 points, nine rebounds, and seven blocks in the second half.