Luke Kornet was one among Boston’s backup stars shining this week within the absence of a few of their traditional starters, however the Celtics nonetheless managed to ease previous Miami on Monday night time.
Harm-Plagued Celtics Dominate Miami
There was an entire host of injured Celtics unavailable for his or her conflict in opposition to 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 up to now.
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 submit match.
“I imply, when he [Kornet] performs with the extent of physicality on each ends of the ground, it makes our group completely different,” Mazzulla stated. “And I believe 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 believed he noticed each of these all through the sport, and he’s simply obtained to proceed to do this. However when he performs at a excessive stage, we’re a unique group, and we are able to go to various things.”
Jaylen Brown was additionally on the harm report earlier than the Warmth win however he was capable of battle via harm to play and lead all scores with 29 factors. Final 12 months’s Finals MVP was additionally impressed with Kornet’s profession sport.
“Luke has simply been the last word teammate since he’s been right here, no matter you ask him to do, he’s keen to do. He does his job every night time. He is aware of the sport nicely.
“When Luke’s taking part in nicely, I believe we’re a fair higher group 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 sport time cut back during the last couple of years in Boston however he stays a staple of their roster on nights like Monday when the starters are absent.
