BOSTON -- The atmosphere at TD Garden was electric Wednesday night as the Boston Celtics faced off against the Orlando Magic in Game 2 of their playoff series. However, the excitement took a dramatic turn when Kristaps Porzingis, the towering 7-foot-3 center for the Celtics, collided with Magic center Goga Bitadze during a heated moment on the court. As Porzingis fell to the parquet floor, he immediately reached for his forehead, where a deep gash had opened up, indicating that he would require five stitches.

In the late third quarter, while the Celtics were leading 109-100, the incident unfolded as both players fought for a loose ball. Porzingis was struck with a vicious elbow that not only left him bleeding but also ignited a fire within him to rally the Celtic fans. As blood streamed down his face, he momentarily examined the extent of his injury, his palms smeared with red. This was not the first time Porzingis had found himself in a similar predicament; just weeks prior, he had taken an opponent's elbow to the nose during a home game, a moment he fondly referred to as one of his 'WWE moments.'

I love my WWE moments, Porzingis remarked after finishing the game with an impressive 20 points and 10 rebounds, highlighting his resilience and team spirit. And you know me. I always love engaging with the crowd. I knew that getting hit again and seeing blood would get the crowd pumped up. His ability to turn a potentially discouraging moment into an opportunity to energize the fans was commendable.

After the incident, Porzingis was escorted to the locker room, a towel pressed against his head, blood still trickling down his face. Yet, with a huge grin plastered across his face, he made his way back onto the court to shoot free throws, the crowd erupting into a frenzy of cheers as they chanted K-P! K-P! K-P! He acknowledged their enthusiasm, pointing and smiling widely, a testament to his connection with Celtics supporters.

Honestly, how can I not come back out? Porzingis expressed with a chuckle. I have five stitches, but my legs work, everything works, so of course Im going to be out there. I love these moments. Coming back out again and getting some love from the crowd? Thats just part of the game.

Coach Joe Mazzulla echoed similar sentiments, stating, I like watching him bleed on the court. Thats a part of who he is, and I appreciate that he comes back and does his job without hesitation. This incident was emblematic of the physical nature that has characterized the series thus far. In Game 1, Celtics star Jayson Tatum had suffered a wrist injury after a mid-air collision with Orlandos Wendell Carter Jr. and Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, prompting a fierce reaction from Al Horford.

The emotions continued to run high during Game 2, where Horford found himself entangled with Caldwell-Pope again. This time, Horford appeared ready to confront Caldwell-Pope, but Mazzulla and Jrue Holiday quickly intervened, emphasizing the importance of maintaining composure in the heat of the playoffs.

Were not going to let anybody punk us, Porzingis asserted, showcasing the Celtics determination not to back down amidst escalating tensions. This is an emotional game, and we expect teams to try to provoke us. But were ready to hit back.

Payton Pritchard, another Celtics player, added, Its the playoffs, baby! Thats just how it goes. We knew what to expect. With Tatum sidelined for the first time in his postseason career, the Celtics relied heavily on All-Star Jaylen Brown, who rose to the occasion with a game-high 36 points, 10 rebounds, and 5 assists. At the end of the day, hes willing to do whatever it takes for us to win, Mazzulla remarked, praising Browns team-first mentality.

Brown echoed Mazzulla's sentiments, pledging his commitment to the team: In my first interview in Boston, I said I was going to go to war for this city, and nothing has changed. Whatever it takes, every single night.

Following the game, Porzingis addressed reporters with stitches across his forehead and a playful demeanor. His ability to maintain a light-hearted perspective amidst adversity resonated with his coach, who noted, He has an innate ability to take things seriously yet maintain great perspective. Porzingis himself reflected on his career ups and downs, stating, When I have the moment to play basketball, I try to enjoy it to the fullest. Especially playing here in Boston, this is what I dreamed of.