Goga Bitadze had knocked the Celtics big man to the floor, earning the Orlando forward a flagrant foul and Porzingis a gash over his left eye. But Porzingis looked defiant as he absorbed the scene surrounding him. A couple of stitches and a little blood were a small price to pay for the experience.

This may be the closest game of the series if injuries begin to affect multiple players in the Celtics' top rotation, even considering Boston's depth.

Tatum is far from the only Celtic battling injuries during this first-round series. Jaylen Brown has been dealing with a knee injury dating back to the regular season and was questionable leading up to Game 3, but he is giving it a go as well. Kristaps Porzingis is on the floor in Game 3 after cutting his head open and gushing blood in Game 2.

Jaylen Brown had 36 points and 10 rebounds to lead Boston, and Kristaps Porzingis, who suffered a gruesome gash on his forehead late in the third quarter, had 20 points and 10 rebounds.