WORST NIGHTMARE: CELTICS QB DANNY AINGE EXPLAINE WHY HE WILL NO LONGER PLAY FOR THE TEAM…
Boston — On Thursday night, the Boston big man Kristaps Porzingis is expected to miss his fourth consecutive game for the Celtics due to a hamstring issue. The Celtics are probably still being extremely careful with Porzingis because the postseason is drawing near.
Don’t worry. Thanks to Luke Kornet’s outstanding play in the Unicorn’s absence, the Celtics have more than enough depth to give Porzinigs the rest he needs in the closing minutes.
When the C’s host the Phoenix Suns at TD Garden on Thursday night, Al Horford is expected to start in place of Porzingis. The veteran’s versatility, which allows him to play both as a starter and off the bench, is a major factor in Boston’s 14-3 record when Porzingis is sidelined. However, Kornet recently contributed to that success, so he’s ready for a few strong minutes this evening off the bench.
Over the last three games, Kornet has played in a lot of them; in Boston’s road victories over the Suns, Blazers, and Jazz, he averaged 23 minutes per game. Over that time, he has averaged 10.3 points, 6.7 rebounds, and 1.3 blocks per game for the Celtics. He recently finished with a 12-point, 9-rebound, and 6-assist performance against the
His contribution isn’t really noticeable since Kornet sets screens and lets guys have unobstructed shots at the top of the key. Against Utah, five of his six assists came from straightforward handoffs to 3-point shooters who found space as a result of the 7-footer. Furthermore, it is Kornet’s responsibility to roll to the hoop with those men when they convert his handoffs into drives rather than long-range shots. All of that, along with any other grubby jobs Joe Mazzulla assigns him, he cheerfully performs.