In a crucial Game 5, the Boston Celtics beat the New York Knicks 127-102. Alongside Jaylen Brown and Derrick White, backup center Luke Kornet 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‘s injury, the Celtics have an open spot in the starting lineup.
In Game 5, Kristaps Porziņģis returned to the starting lineup, the Celtics ran a double big lineup with him and Al Horford. Kornet was better than Porziņģis in Game 5 and has been throughout the playoffs. Porziņģis 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.
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
— Taylor Snow (@taylorcsnow) May 15, 2025
Should the Celtics Start Luke Kornet?
Kornet Provides a Ton of Value
In the playoffs, Kornet is averaging 16 minutes, 4.5 points, 3.8 rebounds, and 1.2 blocks. However, Kornet’s impact goes far beyond his counting stats. Kornet’s role is to provide rim protection, finish lobs, and set screens. The 7-foot-2 big man plays that role to perfection. Kornet’s rim protection has been especially valuable for the Celtics in the playoffs, as opponents are shooting just 44.4 percent at the rim when guarded by him and 36.7 percent from the field. Additionally, in Game 5, Kornet wasn’t just blocking shots at the rim; he played exceptional help defense, making a variety of blocks.
As a lob threat, Kornet gives the Celtics an easy source of offense while his screening opens up the game for his teammates. Kornet’s impressive +6.6 net difference highlights his immense value. Starting Kornet next to Horford would make sense as the two have a +16.6 net rating. Comparatively, Porziņģis and Horford have a -8.1 net rating. By all accounts, Kornet has been better than Porziņģis in the playoffs.
Porziņģis is Clearly Not 100%
Porziņģis’ lack of impact in the playoffs has been discussed a lot. He is averaging just 8.1 points on 32 percent from the field in the playoffs, including 4.2 points and 23.8 percent from the field this series. Furthermore, he has a -12.1 net difference in the playoffs. Regardless, it’s clear his previous illness is affecting his play and conditioning. Porziņģis is missing bunnies at the rim, not punishing mismatches, and hasn’t been mobile on both ends of the floor. After playing 12 minutes in the first half and going 0-3 from the floor, he didn’t play in the second half. Joe Mazzulla said Porziņģis didn’t return because he couldn’t breathe. Given that Porziņģis isn’t close to his normal self, it might be best for both him and the team not to further reduce his minutes or not play him entirely.
The Last Word
Mazzulla may opt to start Porziņģis in Game 6 due to his history of being one of the team’s most important players. Perhaps he has a breakthrough performance and looks more like his normal self. However, that feels unlikely given what we’ve seen in the playoffs. Kornet feels like the best option at this point, and he could start given Porziņģis’ struggles. Regardless, just because a player starts doesn’t mean he’ll have more minutes or close the game; in all likelihood, Kornet will be in the Celtics’ closing lineup. Ultimately, expect Kornet’s minutes to far exceed his playoff average of 16 and his Game 5 number of 26.
Featured image: © Mike Watters-Imagn Images
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