Luke Kornet was one in all Boston’s backup stars shining this week within the absence of a few of their normal 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 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 up to now.
Profession-high-tying 6 blocks for Luke Kornet tonight ⬇️ pic.twitter.com/atWB34JGrt
— Taylor Snow (@taylorcsnow) December 3, 2024
Kornet’s arduous 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 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 received to proceed to try this. However when he performs at a excessive stage, we’re a distinct workforce, and we will go to various things.”
Jaylen Brown was additionally on the damage report earlier than the Warmth win however he was capable of battle by means of damage 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 prepared to do. He does his job every night time. He is aware of the sport properly.
“When Luke’s enjoying properly, I believe we’re an excellent higher workforce as properly.”
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.