Milwaukee Bucks Vs Boston Celtics Odds, Picks, Moneyline NBA 2024-25 Season 12/6/2024 3 Dec 2, 2024; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Boston Celtics guard Payton Pritchard (11), center Luke Kornet (40) and forward Drew Peterson (13) stand on the court during a timeout during the second half against the Miami Heat at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Winslow Townson-Imagn Images

Boston Celtics: Luke Kornet Achieves Bonkers Feat in Game 5 Blowout Victory Vs. New Knicks

Originally posted on Hardwood Heroics | By Jordan Samar | Last updated May 15, 2025 9:06 AM ET

Luke Kornet was the Boston Celtics’ unsung hero in Game 5, as he brought the necessary interior presence on both ends in last night’s 127-102 home victory against the New York Knicks.

The 29-year-old center did not start for the Boston Celtics. However, he played a big role once he replaced the ineffective Kristaps Porzingis in the lineup.

Kornet recorded 10 points, nine rebounds, and seven blocks on a perfect 5-for-5 shooting from the field in 26 minutes off the bench. Five of his blocks came in the third period, where Boston outscored New York 32-17 to break the game wide open.

Dec 15, 2024; Washington, District of Columbia, USA; Boston Celtics head coach Joe Mazzulla (R) celebrates with Celtics center Luke Kornet (40) after a called timeout against the Washington Wizards in the third quarter at Capital One Arena. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-Imagn Images

According to ClutchPoints’ Tomer Azarly, Kornet became the first bench player in NBA playoff history to record such a game-changing stat line.

Boston Celtics News: Luke Kornet relishes opportunity to step up in Game 5

Luke Kornet helped set the tone defensively for the Boston Celtics yesterday. In his 26 minutes, Boston outscored New York by 20 points, and the visitors went 0-for-5 in the paint to help the hosts build a 15-point lead.

Boston Celtics: Luke Kornet Achieves Bonkers Feat in Game 5 Blowout Victory Vs. New Knicks 3 Jan 17, 2024; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; San Antonio Spurs center Victor Wembanyama (1) shoots against Boston Celtics center Luke Kornet (40) during the second half at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Winslow Townson-USA TODAY Sports

“Obviously our season was on the line, so I was trying to have a lot of energy and make plays,” Kornet said via ESPN’s Brian Windhorst. “I’m very grateful just to be able to have the opportunity to play and obviously to make a big impact. I feel like it’s just really special to be a part of when you’re doing it, you just kind of get lost in it.”

The Boston Celtics will need a similar performance from Kornet in Game 6 this Friday, especially if Kristaps Porzingis is not yet 100 percent fit.