Game 2 between the Boston Celtics and the Orlando Magic was a physical one. Blood was spilt — literally. In the third quarter, Celtics big man Kristaps Porziņģis took a nasty elbow to the forehead from Orlando center Goga Bitadze. The blow earned Bitadze a flagrant foul and left Porziņģis bloodied in the third quarter.
By this point in the game, Porziņģis had already tallied 20 points and 8 rebounds, and with Boston superstar Jayson Tatum already sidelined due to a wrist injury sustained in Game 1, Porziņģis’ presence was vital. However, the Latvian was the picture of resilience after sustaining the gruesome blow. He briefly returned after the foul to shoot his free throws before heading back into the locker room for treatment.
The big man’s absence looked like it could be a game-changer. To the relief of TD Garden, Porziņģis once again emerged from the locker room in the fourth quarter, bandaged up and ready to finish the game. He ended the game with 20 points and 10 boards, helping Boston in its 109-100 win over the Magic and take a commanding 2-0 lead heading into Orlando. His heroics earned praise from head coach Joe Mazzulla, but with a twist.
Head Coach Joe Mazzulla’s Postgame Comment that Turned Some Heads
Mazzulla, praising his center’s resilience postgame, said, “I like watching [Porziņģis] bleed on the court,” Mazzulla said. “I think it’s important. And then he comes back in and does his job.”
In true Mazzulla fashion, the comment went viral as the head coach once again emphasized the importance of toughness and perseverance in the playoffs. He praised Porziņģis’s ability to stay poised in a hostile environment and deliver results when it mattered most.
Joe Mazzulla on Kristaps Porzingis’ resilience:
“I like watching him bleed on the court. I think it’s important. And then he comes back in and does his job.” pic.twitter.com/22k4a6pSft
— Taylor Snow (@taylorcsnow) April 24, 2025
“He has an innate ability to take things very seriously and at the same time, you know, have a great perspective,” said Mazzulla. “You see how he controls the environment really well with how he handles the crowd and handles the physicality and everything.”
Another Celtic who played a role in Boston’s commanding victory was none other than Jaylen Brown. Leading the charge with 36 points in Tatum’s absence, Brown was the man of the hour and made sure that Porziņģis’ sacrifice was followed with a win.
READ: Former NBA Champion Declares Bold Kristaps Porziņģis Prediction as Celtics Eye Repeat Title
If Mazzulla’s comments are any indication, just because this matchup against Orlando is a first-round matchup doesn’t mean the Celtics will be loosening up anytime soon. As the Celtics head to Orlando with a 2-0 series lead, they will be going in for the 4-0 kill — and if they keep playing the way that they have been, Boston will soon be bringing out the brooms.
