Injured Celtics big a full practice participant as NBA Finals approach

BRIGHTON — Joe Mazzulla said Kristaps Porzingis did everything the rest of the Celtics did in practice on Saturday as the injured big man continued to move closer to a return to action.

Porzingis hasn’t played since suffering a calf strain on April 29. The Celtics coach said Sunday would be a tougher test as they ramp up preparation for Game 1 of the NBA Finals which is Thursday at TD Garden.

“He did everything the team did. We’ll go significantly harder tomorrow. Today was kind of moderate but he went through everything that the team did today.”

Porzingis averaged 20.1 points per game on a career-high 51.6 percent shooting and 7.2 rebounds per game during the regular season.

Mazzulla declined to be specific on how Porzingis would be initially used when he does return.

“He’s a great player. He’s done a lot of great things for us,” he said. “Just like any other guy, you go through what gives us the best chance to win, what gives us the best possible chance to win this series, this game, these matchups. When K.P. is at his best he’s been tremendous for us. We know he’ll give that to us.”

Mazzulla said he expects Porzingis to reacclimate quickly.

“He’s been through so much in this league that he has a poise and a temperament about him,” Mazzulla said. “He’s been the same. His highs don’t get too high. His lows don’t get too low. He’s got great perspective.”