Kristaps Porzingis exits Game 2 after flagrant foul injury

During Game 2 of the Celtics' first-round playoff series against the Orlando Magic, Boston center Kristaps Porzingis suffered a bloody forehead gash after being elbowed by Orlando's Goga Bitadze while fighting for a rebound. The play was reviewed and upgraded to a Flagrant 1 foul due to the significant impact to Porzingis' head, and Bitadze was seen apologizing immediately after the incident. Porzingis exited to the locker room for treatment, receiving five stitches, but returned to the court with a large bandage to shoot his free throws and later rejoined the game, earning a standing ovation from the TD Garden crowd for his toughness. Despite an off night from three-point range, Porzingis contributed 20 points, eight rebounds, and strong defensive stats before and after his injury. The Celtics were already missing another starter, Jayson Tatum, but Porzingis' resilience further energized the team and its fans. The incident highlighted both the physical intensity of playoff basketball and Porzingis' growing reputation as a crowd favorite for his perseverance and flair in big moments.