Latvian basketball player Kristaps Porzingis’ illness and missing four games of the Atlanta Hawks of the National Basketball Association (NBA) are not related to the weakness that struck the basketball player in the spring, the website “Basketnews.com” quoted the basketball player as saying on Saturday.
It has already been reported that on Friday, after missing four games due to illness, Porzingis scored 25 points in the Hawks’ 133-134 home loss to the Denver Nuggets.
In the 20 minutes and 29 seconds spent on the field, Porzingis made four of seven long-range shots, five of six two-point shots and three of four free throws. He also had two rebounds, one assist, one steal, two blocks and four sacks.
“Basketnews.com” reports that Porzingis stated after the game that the current health problems are not related to the postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS), which he suffered from at the end of last season with the Boston “Celtics” team, when the disease caused the basketball player’s heart rate to increase and fatigue just by standing up.
When Porzingis didn’t play this season due to illness, many wondered if the basketball player was dealing with POTS again.
“I wouldn’t say it was the same now,” Porzingis told journalist Kevin Choinard after the game, denying any connection with the spring illness. “I just didn’t feel too good. I wasn’t healthy, but I wouldn’t say it was the same as last season. So that’s good.”
He also stated that the summer he spent on the national team helped him realize that POTS had been overcome.
“I think I didn’t come across it, even playing in the national team this summer,” explained the Latvian center player. “But just getting sick with something is depressing. I want to be healthy, and I will be.”
Porzingis said he felt good in just over 20 minutes on the court.
“Of course, everything wasn’t perfect, but I want to be on the field. I’m tired of not being completely healthy, but now I feel on the right path,” added the basketball player.
The Hawks are ninth in the Eastern Conference with 13 wins in 24 games and will play their next game on the road against the Washington Wizards on Saturday.
