This could have been The Luke Kornet Recreation.
After discovering out shortly earlier than gametime that he’d be beginning in opposition to the surging Rockets, Kornet performed a season-high 33 minutes and had every part going. The tender palms across the rim. Rock strong protection. And thunderous dunks, together with this poster on Amen Thompson:
In arguably his most spectacular begin of the season, Kornet completed with eighteen factors (8-for-9 from the sector) with seven rebounds and helped maintain Alperin Segun to only 4-of-10 from the sector.
However alas, it wasn’t a spotless displaying for Kornet within the Celtics’ 114-112 loss to the Rockets. Two defensive lapses within the clutch — dropping Alperin Segun on a again minimize and botching a change with Jaylen Brown on the ultimate play — tainted his in any other case practically excellent sport. In his post-game availability, the often jovial Kornet had a extra sullen demeanor and stated, “it kinda performed out in an unlucky means.”
To Kornet’s credit score, he’s been the epitome of the Keep Prepared group this whole season. With Payton Pritchard ascending to sixth man standing and Sam Hauser getting common minutes off the bench, it’s been Kornet that has fluctuated between not enjoying in any respect and beginning six video games to date within the common season.
On Monday night time, he didn’t discover out he was beginning till proper earlier than tipoff when Al Horford didn’t really feel snug to play after warmups. Shedding Horford in opposition to an athletic and bodily group just like the Rockets may have meant curtains for certain — particularly with out Derrick White and Hauser as properly — however Kornet dealt with himself greater than admirably.
“I believe that’s clearly one thing they do an amazing job of, simply rebounding and defensive stress and stuff,” Kornet stated after limiting the league-leading offensive rebounding group to only twelve for the sport. “I really feel like that’s type of a power of their group and the way they play, however I believe for probably the most half, we matched their physicality properly. Clearly, it was type of a bizarre sport by way of them taking a variety of threes…however I assumed our hearth was good. I assumed our intention was good. A few performs simply got here up quick.”
Over the summer time, Kornet signed a one-year veteran minimal contract, the very first deal reported in free company by then ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski. The greater than serviceable middle may have presumably made extra elsewhere however finally determined to stay round for the title protection. He stuffed in when Porzingis was rehabbing from surgical procedure and by no means whined when Neemias Queta seemingly leapfrogged him within the rotation.
Now, this is not precisely one thing that must be talked about pre-All-Star Weekend and even pre-trade deadline. It could actually wait till the summer time once we know the way the season shook out and extra importantly, who’s coming again for subsequent 12 months. However when that will get settled and hopefully, it is confetti and never mud, we have to have a critical dialog about Kornet and his future with the Celtics.
It isn’t nearly an enormous sport right here and there. He is been a constant contributor for his total time in Boston and when given an even bigger alternative, he is shined. The 29-year-old may very well be searching for a brand new group in July, however in my view, he is already discovered a house in Boston.
