When news got out that Kristaps Porzingis was going to miss some time with a right soleus strain, guys like Luke Kornet and Xavier Tillman Sr. needed to step up with Al Horford moving into the starting lineup. In Game 1, Kornet answered the bell and made a significant impact on the game.
The greatest compliment I can give Kornet and the team is that I forgot Porzingis was even out.
In 21 minutes, Kornet grabbed 10 rebounds, blocked two shots, provided two assists, and scored four points. It was the energy he brought that was key. When in, Kornet contested shots at the rim. Even when he didnβt get his hand on the ball, he made life difficult for the Cleveland Cavaliers forcing them to take difficult shots.
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Boston grabbed 13 offensive rebounds, and Kornet accounted for six of them. Extra possessions, especially in the postseason, cannot be overlooked. Boston outrebounded Cleveland 55-38 in the game. In their two wins against the Cavs this year, Boston outrebounded them 45 to 35 and 44 to 39. Even in the game we lost back in March, the Celtics were better on the glass (53-42), even if they blew a 20-point lead with less than 10 minutes left.
Luke, who was known all season for his infectious personality, the βKorntestβ, and for giving Boston what they need each game, showed once again why heβs one of the more important and dependable bench options.
βGuys have had different experiences throughout their careers. Theyβre at the point now where winning is the most important thing and nothing can get in the way of that,β Joe Mazzulla said.
Photo by Jesse D. Garrabrant/NBAE via Getty Images
Kornet epitomizes putting the team first. Knowing heβs not going to start many games let alone get significant minutes, Kornet has to stay ready and wait for his moment. As part of the βstay readyβ group, Kornet talked again about his mindset coming into a game where he knew with KP out, heβd get an extended run.
βWeβve had guys up and down and I think itβs kind of trying to have that same mentality. Obviously, you know that thereβs a little bit more coming your way so you do the little things you can to kind of [prepare] for that game better,β Kornet said. βBut honestly, I…
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