Things may not be all sunshine in Boston, but hope? It never packed its bags. The reigning champions find themselves trailing 1-2 in the Eastern Conference Semifinals against the New York Knicks. Still, they are not backing down. After all, this is how legends rise. With Game 4 looming large at the iconic Madison Square Garden, the Celtics are gearing up for a response. And just in time, there’s a spark of good news as Kristaps Porzingis might be ready to return in his usual form.

Meanwhile, ESPN’s Doris Burke has stirred the pot again. This time, her latest comments during Game 3 between the Celtics and Knicks raised eyebrows, especially among Boston fans. With Kristaps Porzingis still shaking off an upper respiratory illness, Burke’s words hit a nerve. “Boy, Kristaps Porzingis looks like a guy who hasn’t had consistent minutes in a while. He’s a step slow.” Sure, he’s a step slow. But what do you expect from someone who missed 11 out of 14 games just weeks ago?

Even Shams Charania reminded everyone before tip-off that the big man is still battling the lingering effects of his upper respiratory illness. Though he’s pushing through, his conditioning just isn’t there yet. Give the guy a break. And now, KP’s teammate, Jrue Holiday, has stepped up to silence the noise. During the shootaround in New York, the 34-year-old guard talked about how Porzingis looked and felt to him. “No, he looks good. He looks good. I think that he’s always going to come out there, and if he’s on the court, he’s going to give everything he has,” Holiday confirmed.

Speaking of the 29-year-old Latvian center’s importance on the team, veteran Jrue clarified: “He’s huge, he can stretch the floor, he can play in the paint, he protects the rim. He does a lot for us, so having him out there is definitely an advantage.” In the 42 games that Kristaps Porzingis appeared for the Boston Celtics, he averaged 19.5 ppg, 6.8 rebounds, and 2.1 assists. He’s a rhythm to admire and a force to reckon with.

And while KP is recovering and moving himself off the injury list, another Celtics star has made progress. It’s incredible to see how these players fight the odds and make a speedy recovery. Or maybe it’s their love for the game and the hunger to win, win, and win?

After Kristaps Porzingis, Sam Hauser gives good news to the Boston Celtics squad

At last, a flicker of hope flickers on for Boston. Sam Hauser sprained his right ankle in Game 1 and missed the last two matchups, but the Celtics have now upgraded him to questionable. It is the first real sign of progress after days of doubt. Earlier, the team ruled him out with little suspense. But now, things are shifting.

No other names cloud the Celtics’ injury report either. No Hauser, no Porzingis. As they aim to even the series against the Knicks, Hauser’s possible return feels like a timely lift. Celtics CLNS reporter Noa Dalzell reported that the 27-year-old forward was getting some shots up during shootarounds. And she also added: “Sam Hauser is moving well at shootaround. I continue to be amazed by how quickly Celtics players recover from ankle sprains.”

Thus, with Porzingis pushing through and Hauser inching back, the Celtics are slowly piecing their puzzle together. The odds may wobble, but the spirit never fades. Game 4 now feels like a stage set for a statement. And if Boston rises, it will be with heart, hunger, and a little help from the healing.