What happened to Kristaps Porzingis? Joe Mazzulla reveals why Celtics center exited midway Game 1

Kristaps Porzingis left the Boston Celtics' Game 1 loss reportedly due to an undisclosed illness. Celtics coach Joe Mazzulla provided an update on the status of his star center postgame.

Mazzulla said that he hadn't talked to Porzingis about the illness. However, the third-year coach is optimistic that Porzingis will return in Game 2 on Wednesday. Celtics beat writer Noa Dalzell shared Mazzulla's comments on X on Monday.

"I haven’t seen him yet. We’ll check on him," Mazzulla said. "But obviously it impacts the game with his ability on both ends of the floor... Hopefully, he’s ready for Game 2."

On Monday at TD Garden, the New York Knicks stole Game 1 with a 108-105 overtime victory. In 13 minutes, Porzingis had four rebounds, an assist and a turnover. He was scoreless on 0-for-4 shooting.

The one-time NBA All-Star has battled several injuries this season. Porzingis missed 11 games from February to March due to upper respiratory illness. He has been key to Boston's title defense. In 42 regular season games, he averaged 19.5 points, 6.8 rebounds, 2.1 assists and 1.5 blocks on 48.3% shooting, including 41.2% from the 3-point line.

However, Porzingis is in a bit of a slump in the playoffs. In the first-round series against the Orlando Magic, he put up 12.0 ppg, 5.8 rpg, 1.0 apg and 1.8 spg on 35.2% shooting. He notably suffered a cut on his forehead that required stitches.

Celtics struggles without Kristaps Pozingis and miss playoff-record 45 3-pointers

Kristaps Porzingis' Boston Celtics were up 61-45 over the New York Knicks at halftime. Midway through the third quarter, they increased their lead to 75-55. However, New York went on a 20-9 run to cut the lead to 84-75 entering the final period.

Boston finished just 15-for-60 (25%) from the 3-point line. The 45 missed 3-pointers in an NBA playoff-record. The Celtics surpassed 40 missed 3-point shots (7-for-47) by the Minnesota Timberwolves in their series-clinching Game 5 win against the LA Lakers on Wednesday.

According to ESPN's data, the Celtics missed 32 of the 45 "uncontested" 3-point attempts, also a playoff record. The Celtics struggled to put away the Knicks after giving up the lead in the fourth quarter.

The 3-point shot has been the primary weapon in Joe Mazzulla's offense, but it cost them the opening game of the Eastern Conference semifinals. Game 2 will be on Wednesday, and the Celtics certainly need Kristaps Porzingis to avoid falling to a 2-0 hole before the series shifts to New York for Games 3 and 4.