Luke Kornet was once considered one of Boston’s backup stars shining this week within the absence of a few in their standard starters, however the Celtics nonetheless controlled to ease previous Miami on Monday night time.
Damage-Plagued Celtics Dominate Miami
There was once a complete 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 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. Restricting Miami to only 89 issues was once Boston’s absolute best defensive efficiency of the NBA season to this point.
Occupation-high-tying 6 blocks for Luke Kornet this night ⬇️ percent.twitter.com/atWB34JGrt
— Taylor Snow (@taylorcsnow) December 3, 2024
Kornet’s exhausting paintings didn’t cross omitted by means of head trainer Joe Mazzulla after the sport, with Boston’s head trainer providing a sparkling record on his large guy submit fit.
“I imply, when he [Kornet] performs with the extent of physicality on each ends of the ground, it makes our group other,” Mazzulla mentioned. “And I feel the 2 issues — his two largest strengths are his physicality and rim coverage when he’s at his absolute best, after which his screening vs. other coverages.
“And I assumed he noticed either one of the ones all the way through the sport, and he’s simply were given to proceed to do this. But if he performs at a excessive stage, we’re a special group, and we will cross to various things.”
Jaylen Brown was once additionally at the damage record ahead of the Warmth win however he was once ready to struggle via damage to play and lead all ratings with 29 issues. Remaining 12 months’s Finals MVP was once additionally inspired with Kornet’s profession sport.
“Luke has simply been without equal teammate since he’s been right here, no matter you ask him to do, he’s prepared to do. He does his activity every night time. He is aware of the sport neatly.
“When Luke’s taking part in neatly, I feel we’re a fair higher group as neatly.”
Luke Kornet on Derrick White’s shot-blocking:
“Him and I each know a factor or two about rejection.” percent.twitter.com/23Mmcm9wnK
— Daniel Donabedian (@danield1214) December 3, 2024
Kornet has noticed his sport time scale back over the past couple of years in Boston however he stays a staple in their roster on nights like Monday when the starters are absent.