Celtics
Joe Mazzulla said he has no timeline for Porzingis’s return. Porzingis has missed five games.
CLEVELAND — Kristaps Porzingis did some light shooting Monday afternoon and while the Celtics center was ruled out for Game 4 against the Cavaliers, he was able to participate in a wider range of drills than he has since injuring his right calf in the first round against Miami.
Porzingis took reps practicing midrange jumpers, fadeaway jumpers from the post, and pick-and-roll action. He also briefly worked on pick-and-roll defense, getting back into the rhythm of sliding to different spots on the court at a moderate pace.
The shootaround generally had an upbeat mood as the Celtics practiced with music from Bad Bunny playing in the background. Derrick White joked that he hoped the music would aid Porzingis in his recovery.
“He’s been with us the whole time, and it’s been great to see him. We got his music playing,” White said ahead of the Celtics’ 109-102 win in Game 4. “Hopefully that helps him heal faster. Whatever we’ve got to do to help him, but it’s always great to have him around and we know he’s doing everything he can to get back with us.”
Coach Joe Mazzulla said he has no timeline for Porzingis’s return. Porzingis has missed five games.
“I haven’t watched his rehab, but he is working hard and trying to get back,” Mazzulla said. “He’s made better steps, like you said being on the court.
“All I know is that he’s working really hard to get back as fast as he can.”
Mitchell out for Cavaliers
Cavaliers star Donovan Mitchell was out for Game 4 with a calf strain. He had been listed as questionable.
“The other night in the game, toward the back end of that fourth quarter, it just started to build on him. It just became sore,” Cavaliers coach J.B. Bickerstaff said.
Mitchell is averaging 29.6 points, 5.4 rebounds, and 4.7 assists this postseason. Bickerstaff said Mitchell wanted to play and noted his team would need a group effort to replace his production.
“Everybody. That’s the only way we can do it,” Bickerstaff said before the game. “Everybody is going to have to take up a little bit. Not one person, obviously, is going to replace what Donovan does for us. But, everybody’s just got to take up whatever their strength is or their skill set is. They’ve got to go out and be the most confident version of themselves tonight. But again, we’ll always do it together.”
Darius Garland (30 points) doubled his scoring output from Game 3, Max Strusshot 5 for 9 from 3-point range for his 15 points, and Evan Mobley finished just shy of a double-double (19 points, 9 rebounds).
Effort was a point of emphasis for the Celtics with Mitchell out, Mazzulla said. Overlooking the shorthanded Cavaliers could have proved costly considering how they played without their star.
“Obviously they’ll have different lineups and they’ll do some different stuff there but I think at this time in the season, especially after watching those two games yesterday regardless of who is in or who is out you’ve got to be the harder playing team,” Mazzulla said. “I think that’s the most important thing.
“There will be some minor adjustments along the way but it seems that the team that’s playing the hardest, more desperate team that wins, and I think that’s kind of how you have to look at it.”
Focus factor
After Game 3, Jayson Tatum spoke about the Celtics’ tendency to relax when they are up at halftime.
Sometimes human nature causes people to get comfortable and take their foot off the gas when things are going well. The Celtics started the second half on a 14-0 run Saturday on their way to taking the series lead.
Mazzulla was asked how the Celtics could combat complacency and avoid a Game 4 letdown.
“Don’t be human,” Mazzulla said. “Be different.”
The Game 4 results weren’t different. Tatum scored 33 points for the second straight game as the Celtics claimed another win.
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