BOSTON -- Kristaps Porzingis returned for the Boston Celtics on Monday night, checking into Game 5 of the NBA Finals with 6:49 left in the first quarter.
Celtics coach Joe Mazzulla had said Porzingis was "not quite ready" after he was made active for Game 4 and that he would be available in only specific situations in that game.
Ahead of Game 5, however, Mazzulla said Porzingis had progressed beyond that point and should be on the court. He added that Porzingis won't be on a minutes restriction.
Porzingis came off the bench, with Boston sticking with Al Horford at center to start the game.