Luke Kornet continues to impress for the Boston Celtics. The 7-foot-2 big man has spent the season operating as the team’s third-string big man, averaging 14.7 minutes of playing time in 45 regular-season appearances for Joe Mazzulla‘s team. Sometimes, Kornet’s production can go under the radar, his impact is often felt outside of the box score.
However, during the Celtics’ win over the Phoenix Suns on Saturday (March 9) Kornet produced one of his most impactful games of the season. He ended the contest with 14 points, 1 block and six rebounds, three of which came on the offensive glass. He also provided some high-level rim protection courtesy of his well-documented “Kornet contest.”
“The eclipse was built for the Sun,” Kornet told NBC Sports Boston’s Abby Chin. “You know what I’m saying? There’s something there, obviously…I was feeling a certain type of way. I was feeling a lot of energy, and probably a lot of testosterone or something. I was just very revved up. Adrenaline is what I was looking for. Maybe both. I don’t know.”
Kornet has fought for minutes since the Celtics acquired Xavier Tillman before the February 8 trade deadline. As such, performances like the one he produced against the Suns will go a long way to securing him some legitimate playing time in Mazzulla’s playoff rotation.
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Kornet is currently in the final year of his two-year, $4.5 million deal. He will become an unrestricted free agent at the end of the season.
If he continues to produce at his current level, the Celtics may face some competition for his services ahead of next season.