Luke Kornet was one in every of Boston’s backup stars shining this week within the absence of a few of their ordinary starters, however the Celtics nonetheless managed to ease previous Miami on Monday evening.
Damage-Plagued Celtics Dominate Miami
There was a complete host of injured Celtics unavailable for his or her conflict towards the Warmth this week, with the likes of Jrue Vacation, Kristaps Porzingis, Al Horford and Sam Hauser all unavailable for various causes.
Luke Kornet led the way in which for Boston’s defence within the absence of a few of his teammates, recording a career-high six blocks within the 108-89 win on Monday. Limiting Miami to simply 89 factors was Boston’s greatest defensive efficiency of the NBA season to date.
Profession-high-tying 6 blocks for Luke Kornet tonight ⬇️ pic.twitter.com/atWB34JGrt
— Taylor Snow (@taylorcsnow) December 3, 2024
Kornet’s onerous work didn’t go unnoticed by head coach Joe Mazzulla after the sport, with Boston’s head coach providing a glowing report on his huge man publish match.
“I imply, when he [Kornet] performs with the extent of physicality on each ends of the ground, it makes our workforce totally different,” Mazzulla stated. “And I believe the 2 issues — his two largest strengths are his physicality and rim safety when he’s at his greatest, after which his screening vs. totally different coverages.
“And I believed he noticed each of these all through the sport, and he’s simply bought to proceed to do this. However when he performs at a excessive stage, we’re a special workforce, and we are able to go to various things.”
Jaylen Brown was additionally on the damage report earlier than the Warmth win however he was in a position to battle via damage to play and lead all scores with 29 factors. Final yr’s Finals MVP was additionally impressed with Kornet’s profession recreation.
“Luke has simply been the final word teammate since he’s been right here, no matter you ask him to do, he’s keen to do. He does his job each evening. He is aware of the sport effectively.
“When Luke’s taking part in effectively, I believe we’re a fair higher workforce as effectively.”
Luke Kornet on Derrick White’s shot-blocking:
“Him and I each know a factor or two about rejection.” pic.twitter.com/23Mmcm9wnK
— Daniel Donabedian (@danield1214) December 3, 2024
Kornet has seen his recreation time cut back over the past couple of years in Boston however he stays a staple of their roster on nights like Monday when the starters are absent.