Without Jayson Tatum, the Celtics needed everyone else to step up. Derrick White and Jaylen Brown certainly did their part, but who could have seen Luke Kornet elevating so dramatically?
This was not the Kornet the Knicks saw during his time with the team. Not the Kornet, now with the Celtics, the Knicks had really seen yet this series.
Not the Kornet that has been the norm throughout his career.
But Wednesday’s version of Kornet crushed the Knicks in their 127-102 Game 5 loss to the Celtics at TD Garden. He had 10 points — on perfect 5-for-5 shooting from the field — along with nine rebounds and a career-high seven blocks in 26 minutes off the bench. He outplayed Karl-Anthony Towns, which should be hard to believe. He bullied the Knicks inside.
Kornet became the first player in NBA playoff history to record a game with at least 10 points, nine rebounds and seven blocks on 100 percent shooting.
The seven blocks were tied for second-most in Celtics playoff history.
“Luke was huge,” Jaylen Brown said after the game. “Defensively and offensively, he was stellar. That’s the types of performances we need in the playoffs. Defensively, getting stops, making plays, big finishes — he got that backwards lob. Luke was great.”
Kornet’s breakout showing came as Kristaps Porzingis struggled and did not play at all in the second half. He continues to battle his undisclosed illness, and Celtics coach Joe Mazzulla said after the game that Porzingis “couldn’t breathe” and was only available if absolutely necessary in the second half.
Porzingis played just 12 minutes, had one point and did not hit a field goal. Kornet’s 26 minutes were his most of the playoffs as a result.
Going forward, Mazzulla could certainly start Kornet in place of Porzingis if the latter continues to feel less than 100 percent or struggle.
Kornet played the entire third quarter, when the Celtics outscored the Knicks 32-17.
It’s fair to say Kornet has become more of a worry for the Knicks than Porzingis.
“I was just trying to make plays,” Kornet said. “Obviously, our season’s on the line, trying to have a lot energy and make plays. … It’s kind of how I’ve been throughout this year and throughout my time with the Celtics and throughout my career. Whatever coach asks me to do, I’m just there to do it. Whether I’m starting or coming off the bench or not playing at all, that kind of comes with [that] responsibility … and you just have to do your best job with whatever position you’re put in.”
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The Celtics had Kornet guard Josh Hart, with Jrue Holiday on Towns.
That allowed Kornet to camp in the paint and act as a floating help defender, particularly on Jalen Brunson and Towns — similar to what the Pistons did against the Knicks with Jalen Duren.
It’s a strategy that paid huge dividends, and one Mazzulla could continue to use.
“He was great on both ends of the floor,” Mazzulla said. “Did a great job protecting the rim, did a great job defending without fouling. I just thought his presence was good, especially on the rebounding end — nine rebounds, two offensive ones. He made some big-time plays for us.”
