Key Takeaways:
– Luke Kornet, a backup for the Boston Celtics, excelled during their 120-95 triumph over Cleveland Cavaliers in their Eastern Conference semifinal series opener.
– Despite Kristaps Porzingis’s injury, Kornet effectively utilized his time on the court, contributing significantly to the Celtics’ success.
– Kornet’s performance caught the attention of Roy Hibbert, a two-time NBA All-Star Center, who cited Kornet as an example for aspiring big men in professional basketball.
Text:
Luke Kornet Proves Essential in Celtics Win
Standing at an impressive height of 7-foot-1, Luke Kornet emerged as an unexpected hero for the Boston Celtics when they outplayed the Cleveland Cavaliers with a 120-95 victory in the first game of their Eastern Conference semifinal series. Kornet filled in for injured star, Kristaps Porzingis, and significantly contributed to the Celtics’ win despite usual player rotations being disrupted.
Kornet’s Talent Highlighted
In the heat of the contest, Kornet clocked up 21 minutes off the bench. This opportunity allowed the towering center to pull in 10 rebounds, add 4 points, give 2 assists, and block two shots. Fan and professional praise was swift in coming, with warmly appreciative remarks about Kornet’s contribution flooding social media platforms.
Underrated but Impactful
An unassuming figure off the court, Kornet has steadily grown into an influential player in his capacity as a backup for the Celtics. He’s currently enjoying his best season yet, averaging career-high figures with 4.1 rebounds, 5.3 points, 1.1 assists, and 1.0 blocks per game. This gradual yet solid development has not gone unnoticed in professional basketball circles.
Case Study for Aspiring Players
Two-time NBA All-Star center, Roy Hibbert, has commended Kornet’s performance, citing him as an excellent example for upcoming big men looking to make it big in the NBA. Hibbert was especially impressed with Kornet’s fundamentally sound gameplay, which he sees as a model for other aspiring players, like Richmond’s 7-foot-center Neil Quinn.
Hibbert particularly emphasized Kornet’s all-around abilities, noting his remarkable skills in rebounding, shot blocking, and game sense as benchmarks for any professional big man. Hibbert believes that Quinn, and other similarly gifted young players, can learn essential professional skills by studying Kornet’s game.
Rewarding Journey to the NBA
As the Celtics’ victory over the Cavaliers unfolded, the TD Garden crowd of 19,156 cheered Kornet, marking a significant milestone in his NBA journey.
Despite a standout collegiate career at Vanderbilt, where he ended his final year with All-SEC and All-SEC Defensive team honors, Kornet was overlooked in the 2017 NBA draft. Nevertheless, his relentless pursuit of an NBA career led him from the New York Knicks’ Summer League team to a standard contract, paving the way for a career spanning Chicago, Boston, Cleveland, and Milwaukee.
Fulfilling a Role in Boston
The return to Boston in 2022 via the Maine Celtics G-League affiliate has provided Kornet an opportunity to establish himself as a valuable asset for the Celtics. Even though he was off-court during Celtics’ near miss in the 2022 NBA Finals, Kornet is optimistic about contributing substantially to the team’s championship aspirations.
Moreover, former All-Star, Hibbert, sees Kornet’s journey as a beacon of inspiration for other basketball players who are fighting their own battles towards NBA recognition.