After the game, Porzingis voiced his appreciation for the Celtics' fanbase, seemingly acknowledging playing through his struggles in the process. Despite not being at his best, the Latvian big man is doing all he can to play for the fans.

BOSTON (AP) — Celtics center Kristaps Porzingis didn’t play in the second half of Boston’s 108-105 overtime loss to the New York Knicks in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference semifinals because of an illness. Porzingis wasn’t on the floor initially with the team Monday night as they warmed up prior to the start of the second half.