Luke Kornet was certainly one of Boston’s backup stars shining this week within the absence of a few of their common starters, however the Celtics nonetheless managed to ease previous Miami on Monday night time.
Damage-Plagued Celtics Dominate Miami
There was an entire 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 best way 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 only 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 exhausting work didn’t go unnoticed by head coach Joe Mazzulla after the sport, with Boston’s head coach providing a glowing report on his large man submit match.
“I imply, when he [Kornet] performs with the extent of physicality on each ends of the ground, it makes our workforce completely different,” Mazzulla mentioned. “And I feel the 2 issues — his two greatest strengths are his physicality and rim safety when he’s at his greatest, after which his screening vs. completely different coverages.
“And I assumed he noticed each of these all through the sport, and he’s simply acquired to proceed to try this. However when he performs at a excessive degree, we’re a unique workforce, and we will go to various things.”
Jaylen Brown was additionally on the harm report earlier than the Warmth win however he was capable of battle by means of harm 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 night time. He is aware of the sport nicely.
“When Luke’s taking part in nicely, I feel we’re an excellent higher workforce as nicely.”
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.
