The Boston Celtics got a big game from Derrick White in their 102-88 win over the Miami Heat on Monday night.
But they immediately turn their attention to Kristaps Porzingis, who woke up in the second quarter with a non-contact calf injury and was forced to the locker room. He was replaced in the starting lineup by Al Horford after halftime and did not return to the game.
With the win, the Celtics take a 3-1 series lead and face a close game in Boston on Wednesday. Porzingis' status for that game Monday night and beyond was unclear.
Boston led 47-31 late in the second quarter. Porzingis took a pass from Jaylen Brown on a half-court set, then lost control of the ball while pulling up in pain. He immediately raised his hand to take himself out of the game and started limping.
The Celtics listed him as questionable at halftime with a right calf strain. ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski reported Porzingis is scheduled for imaging Tuesday during the third quarter, and early indications are that he is not suffering from an Achilles tendon injury.
Porzingis appeared to adjust a couple of possessions before leaving the floor. The change came lamely after he missed a Celtics.
He was in the game only to leave the floor limping moments later. Al Horford took his place in the starting lineup in the second half. The injury is a significant blow to Boston if Porzingis is forced to miss extended time.
Porzingis was pivotal for the Celtics as they posted an NBA-best 64-18 regular-season record in his first season with Boston. He averaged 20.1 points, 7.2 rebounds and 1.9 blocks per game while shooting 51.6% from the floor and 37.5% from 3 during the regular season.
Derrick White presides
With Porzingis sidelined and Boston's All-Stars struggling from the field, White took over offensively. He started off hot with six 3-pointers in the first half and finished with a game-high 38 points to go along with four rebounds, three assists and three blocks.
The point total was a playoff career high for White.
This story will be updated.
