‘Boston legend’: NBA fans react to Porzingis’ return from bloody injury

The playoffs aren’t just about heroic efforts, they’re also about gutsy performances.

It’s common knowledge that with the heightened stakes of post-season play, the physical demands of each game increase as well. And those who embrace that intensity often win games and fans along the way.

Just ask Boston Celtics centre Kristaps Porzingis, who made that point on Wednesday during Game 2 of their first-round series against the Orlando Magic. The Latvian big man took a booming elbow from Orlando’s Goga Bitadze as the two jockeyed for a rebound. The Magic was called for a flagrant one foul on the play upon review.

Porzingis immediately hit the deck and could be seen bleeding from his forehead. He stayed down until a trainer appeared with a towel and then rushed to the Celtics locker room. But what wasn’t seen at first was that he had done so with a smirk on his face, as if enjoying the moment.

But then the “Unicorn” made a near-mythical return just minutes after exiting the ball game, albeit with a patch job that would put Victor Frankenstein to shame. Porzingis had a large bandage plastered onto his forehead and smears of dried blood along his nose and head. It was later reported on the broadcast that he needed five stitches to close up the gash. Eventually, Boston staffers wiped him clean enough to get back in the game and shoot the free throws he so clearly earned.

The seven-footer walked up to the line, grinning ear-to-ear amid a roar of “KP” chants and a standing ovation from the TD Garden crowd. Here are some of the best reactions from Porzingis’ gutsy antics on Wednesday night.