BOSTON — The Boston Celtics secured a commanding 123-99 victory over the Detroit Pistons at TD Garden on Thursday night, demonstrating their depth even in the absence of star players Jayson Tatum and Sam Hauser. With the spotlight on the bench players, Payton Pritchard emerged as a standout, contributing 27 points and 10 assists. However, coach Joe Mazzulla particularly praised Luke Kornet for his pivotal role in the game.
Mazzulla noted, “Luke’s physicality was a game-changer for us in the middle of that first quarter on both ends of the floor.” Kornet played just 12 minutes but made a big impact, shooting 100% from the field with 12 points and seven rebounds, all while being a key defensive presence. His ability to work well with other players, including Kristaps Porzingis and Al Horford, allowed the team to exploit mismatches effectively.
Porzingis, who logged 30 minutes and notched 19 points and eight rebounds, appreciated the added support from Kornet, which allowed him to focus on his rebounding and shot alteration. “It gives me more confidence,” Porzingis said, indicating the advantages of their combined presence on the court. As the Celtics grapple with maintaining defensive integrity in their early season, Kornet’s versatility and chemistry with the core team members have proven valuable.
While the current season has seen some defensive lapses compared to last year, Kornet’s contributions alongside Porzingis and Horford could solidify the team’s rim protection. Despite the potential limitations on Kornet’s playing time due to a healthy frontcourt, his recent performances highlight his importance to the team’s depth.
Porzingis remains on the road to full recovery after undergoing surgery, and while he has shown significant improvement with each game, the Celtics are taking a cautious approach. He acknowledged that game speed is unmatched and expressed optimism about regaining his rhythm.
Overall, the Celtics continue to thrive in the early stages of the season, demonstrating depth and resilience as they work towards integrating Porzingis fully. The blend of talented players, along with the promising contributions from Kornet, has the potential to make Boston a formidable opponent this season.
This victory not only signifies a strong team effort but also showcases the Celtics’ ability to adapt and succeed, reinforcing the notion that they have the potential to be a championship contender as the season unfolds.