Luke Cornett was one of Boston’s backup stars who shine this week due to the lack of regular starters, but the Celtics were able to soften Miami in the past on Monday night.
The injured Celtics dominate Miami
Jrue Holiday, Kristaps Porzingis, Al Horford, Sam Hauser and others couldn’t collide in the heat this week, as they weren’t available for a variety of reasons.
Luke Cornett led the way to Boston’s defense with the absence of some of his teammates, scoring a career-high six blocks in Monday’s 108-89 victory. Limiting Miami to just 89 points has been Boston’s best defensive performance in the NBA season so far.
Luke Corne’s career-high six blocks tonight pic.twitter.com/atwb34jgrt
– Taylor Snow (@taylorcsnow) December 3, 2024
Cornett’s hard work was unnoticed by manager Joe Matzula after the match, and the Boston head coach provided a passionate report in his big man’s postmatch.
“So when he (Cornett) plays on both ends of the floor with a physical level, that makes our team different,” Mazra said. “And his two biggest strengths are his physicality and rim protection when he is at his best, and his screening and different coverage.
“And I thought he saw both of them throughout the game and he has to keep doing that. But when he plays at a high level, we’re a different team and we can go to something else.”
Jalen Brown also appeared in the injury report before the Heat won, but he managed to play over the injury and lead all the scores with 29 points. Last year’s Finals MVP was also impressed by Kornet’s career games.
“Luke was the ultimate teammate because he was here. He’s happy to do what you do to him. He does his job every night. He knows the game very well.
“I think we’re even better teams when Luke plays well.”
Luke Cornett in Derrick White’s shot blocking:
“He and I both know one or two things about rejection.” pic.twitter.com/23mmcm9wnk
– Daniel Donabedian (@danield1214) December 3, 2024
Cornett has seen game time cut in the past few years in Boston, but he remains a roster staple on nights like Monday when the starters were absent.
