{"id":139627,"date":"2025-05-15T10:36:36","date_gmt":"2025-05-15T14:36:36","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/?p=139627"},"modified":"2025-05-15T10:36:36","modified_gmt":"2025-05-15T14:36:36","slug":"should-the-celtics-start-luke-kornet","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/2025\/05\/15\/should-the-celtics-start-luke-kornet\/","title":{"rendered":"Should the Celtics Start Luke Kornet?"},"content":{"rendered":"

In a crucial Game 5, the Boston Celtics<\/a> beat the New York Knicks 127-102. Alongside Jaylen Brown<\/a> and Derrick White<\/a>, backup center Luke Kornet<\/a> was one of Boston’s most impactful players. He posted 10 points (100% shooting), nine rebounds, seven blocks, and was a +20. Kornet became the first player in NBA history to post this stat line. With Jayson Tatum<\/a>‘s injury, the Celtics have an open spot in the starting lineup.<\/p>\n

In Game 5, Kristaps Porzi\u0146\u0123is<\/a> returned to the starting lineup, the Celtics ran a double big lineup with him and Al Horford<\/a>. Kornet was better than Porzi\u0146\u0123is in Game 5 and has been throughout the playoffs. Porzi\u0146\u0123is is battling the aftereffects of an illness and is clearly not at full strength. Down 3-2 heading into a key Game 6, the Celtics will have to consider starting Kornet. Let’s further explore this possibility.<\/p>\n

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Luke Kornet is the 1st player in NBA playoff history with at least 10 points, 9 rebounds, 7 blocks, and 100 FG% in a game. pic.twitter.com\/zwICYH3aWK<\/a><\/p>\n

— Taylor Snow (@taylorcsnow) May 15, 2025<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n