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BOSTON — The Bark Heard ‘Round TD Garden.
With their season hanging in the balance and superstar Jayson Tatum sidelined, the Boston Celtics found an unlikely hero in Luke Kornet, who delivered a historic and electric performance in a must-win Game 5 against the New York Knicks.
Luke Kornet, wearing his now-iconic Luke Kornet jersey, came off the bench and changed the game with a performance for the ages. He tallied 10 points, 9 rebounds, and a career-high 7 blocks on a perfect 5-for-5 shooting night. His explosive presence powered the Celtics to a decisive 127-102 victory, extending their postseason hopes to Game 6 at Madison Square Garden.
“He was unbelievable,” said Derrick White. “Seven blocks is crazy. He stepped up when we needed him the most.”
A Historic Night for Luke Kornet
Luke Kornet became the first player in NBA playoff history to post at least 10 points, 9 rebounds, and 7 blocks with 100% shooting off the bench. His performance placed him alongside elite postseason defenders like Anthony Davis and Draymond Green, but with a unique, flawless efficiency.
The turning point came in the third quarter. The Celtics, tied at the half, outscored the Knicks 32-17, with Kornet swatting five shots in that frame alone. One highlight-reel sequence saw him block OG Anunoby at the rim, chase down the ball, and finish the play with a thunderous dunk.
From Vanderbilt to the Garden: The Rise of Luke Kornet
Luke Kornet College roots trace back to Vanderbilt University, where his shot-blocking ability first turned heads. Now, years later, he’s showcasing that same defensive dominance on the NBA’s biggest stage.
Interestingly, basketball excellence runs in the family — Frank Kornet, Luke’s father, also played in the NBA. That legacy of grit and hustle was fully on display Wednesday night at TD Garden.
Filling the Void Left by Tatum and Porzingis
With Jayson Tatum sidelined due to an Achilles injury and Kristaps Porzingis struggling with illness and shortness of breath, Kornet's opportunity opened up — and he capitalized.
Porzingis posted just one point and one rebound in 12 minutes before being benched. Kornet started the second half and never looked back. His defense suffocated the Knicks, holding them to just 20% shooting in the third quarter.
“Luke was huge tonight, defensively and offensively,” said Jaylen Brown. “That’s the type of performance we need in the playoffs.”
More Than Just Stats — Kornet’s Moment
Beyond the numbers, Luke Kornet’s intensity, energy, and signature barking celebration ignited the Celtics and the TD Garden crowd. His highlight-reel reverse dunk in the fourth quarter, following a dazzling pass from Brown, nearly blew the roof off the building.
Teammates barked with him, the crowd roared, and Game 5 instantly became known as “The Luke Kornet Game.”
A Look Ahead — Kornet's Value Skyrockets
With Kristaps Porzingis still battling illness, Luke Kornet has likely played himself into a significant role — and perhaps a starting spot — for Friday’s crucial Game 6 in New York.
The performance also casts new light on Luke Kornet’s contract, as his impact off the bench could make him a key long-term piece for Boston’s rotation.
Off the court, fans are getting more curious about the man behind the monster blocks — from searches about Luke Kornet’s wife to demand for the official Luke Kornet jersey following his viral Game 5 performance.
Conclusion: The Luke Kornet Era?
Whether or not this Cinderella story continues deep into the postseason, one thing is certain: Luke Kornet seized his moment when it mattered most. His defensive presence, hustle, and passion gave Boston a much-needed lifeline.
“Understanding the moment and going out to represent ourselves well — that’s what Jaylen and Al [Horford] reminded us,” Kornet said. “We responded.”
Luke Kornet didn’t just save the Celtics’ season — he may have redefined his NBA career.
