Boston Celtics’ big man Kristaps Porzingis was left bloodied after suffering a head injury during game two of their first-round NBA playoff series against the Orlando Magic.
The incident occurred late in the third quarter, when Porzingis, who stands at 7ft 2in, was struck on the forehead by a stray elbow from Orlando centre Goga Bitadze.
The 29-year-old Latvian fell to the floor as blood poured from his forehead, prompting immediate attention from the medical staff. He was helped off the court by a team trainer and taken for treatment.
Despite the heavy blow, Porzingis returned in the fourth quarter wearing a large bandage on his head and continued to contribute strongly.
He finished the night with 20 points and 10 rebounds, helping the Celtics secure a 109-100 win and take a 2-0 lead in the best-of-seven Eastern Conference series.
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Jaylen Brown stepped up in the absence of Jayson Tatum, who was ruled out due to a wrist injury, scoring a game-high 36 points to power Boston to victory.
Kristaps Porzingis takes brutal elbow and instantly starts gushing blood from his head ????pic.twitter.com/eFBEHRi0IZ
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Results from other playoff games
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— NBA (@NBA) April 24, 2025
?? CLE, BOS extend series lead to 2-0
?? HOU ties series 1-1
The #NBAPlayoffs presented by Google continue Thursday as Game 3's begin with 3 games on TNT & NBA TV! pic.twitter.com/NKBLtwy8P3
In other playoff action, Miami Heat’s star Jimmy Butler suffered a pelvis contusion after a hard fall in the first quarter of the Golden State Warriors’ 109-94 loss to the Houston Rockets.
Butler, a six-time All-Star, did not return to the game and is scheduled for an MRI scan on Thursday to assess the damage. Houston’s win means their Western Conference series is now tied at 1-1.
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Meanwhile, Donovan Mitchell led the Cleveland Cavaliers to a 121-112 win over the Miami Heat, scoring 30 points, including 17 in the fourth quarter. Darius Garland added 21 points and nine assists as the Cavaliers also moved 2-0 ahead in their Eastern Conference match-up.
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