The Boston Celtics took a 3-2 lead in the 2025 NBA Playoffs Eastern Conference Semifinals with a dominant 127-102 win over the New York Knicks in Game 5. However, the victory came with concern as starting center Kristaps Porziņģis exited at halftime due to a mysterious upper respiratory illness.

Kristaps Porziņģis Misses Second Half: “He Couldn’t Breathe”

Porziņģis played only 12 minutes in the first half, scoring a single point along with one rebound and one block. After halftime, Celtics head coach Joe Mazzulla addressed the center’s absence, stating, “He couldn’t breathe.”

The Celtics medical staff has confirmed Porziņģis has been battling a non-COVID-19 respiratory illness throughout the season. Though the illness is not new, the timing is unfortunate — especially with the Celtics already missing star forward Jayson Tatum due to a torn Achilles tendon.

Despite being tied 59-59 at the half, Mazzulla and Porziņģis jointly decided that he should sit the remainder of the game, prioritizing long-term health and playoff availability. Mazzulla expressed optimism that Porziņģis would return for Game 6 on Friday.

Luke Kornet Shines in Celtics’ Big Win

With Porziņģis sidelined, Luke Kornet stepped in and delivered a career-best performance, helping the Celtics dominate the second half. Kornet posted 10 points on 5-of-5 shooting, grabbed nine rebounds, and blocked an astounding seven shots — a defensive showcase that helped swing the game decisively in Boston’s favor.

Kornet’s energy on defense, rim protection, and off-ball movement helped stabilize the Celtics’ interior presence. Alongside Sam Hauser, Kornet provided the spark needed to make up for the absence of Porziņģis and Tatum.

Joe Mazzulla’s Strategic Lineup Shift Pays Off

In Game 5, Mazzulla adjusted his lineup, starting both Kristaps Porziņģis and Al Horford in a bigger frontcourt with Jaylen Brown, flanked by guards Derrick White and Jrue Holiday. With Tatum out, the larger lineup was intended to counter the Knicks’ physical frontline.

While Porziņģis had to exit early, the depth of the Celtics roster — particularly Kornet — proved effective, giving Boston a vital edge in the series.

Celtics Face Uncertainty with Porziņģis Ahead of Game 6

Though Porziņģis is expected to return in Game 6, his ongoing struggles with illness — including a scoreless performance in Game 1 and just 13 minutes of play — raise concerns about his postseason reliability.

“I’m just not feeling my best at all,” Porziņģis said after Game 2. “It kills me inside that it’s happening at this moment.”

With Jayson Tatum already ruled out for the remainder of the NBA Playoffs 2025, the Celtics are relying heavily on players like Jaylen Brown, Jrue Holiday, and now Luke Kornet to carry the team through the postseason. Whether Porziņģis can contribute effectively down the stretch remains one of the most important questions for Boston’s title hopes.

What’s Next?

The Celtics will travel to Madison Square Garden for Game 6 against the Knicks, looking to close out the series and advance to the Eastern Conference Finals. All eyes will be on Kristaps Porziņģis’ status — and whether Luke Kornet can continue his breakout performance if called upon again.

Stay tuned for more updates from the NBA Playoffs 2025 and Boston Celtics injury news as the postseason intensifies.