BOSTON — Kristaps Porziu0146u0123is took a long pause when asked if he’ll play pain-free in Thursday Game 1 before declaring he will. A day later, asked about any apprehension he feels about returning. He double-checked what the word meant before testing each leg out at the team’s TD Garden practice, leaning back on each as he tossed up shots. It wasn’t the one he’d use to describe how he feels.
Something, again, held the big man back from hyping his comeback.
After committing to return for the beginning of the Finals, Porziu0146u0123is noted the challenge ahead entering the highest level of the playoffs having not played in the previous two series.