Kornet's Seven Blocks Power Celtics' 127-102 Win Over Knicks in Game 5; Knicks Lead Series 3-2
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Luke Kornet helped the Boston Celtics secure a 127-102 win over the New York Knicks in Game 5 of the NBA Playoffs, keeping their season alive.
Kornet recorded 10 points on perfect 5-of-5 shooting, nine rebounds, and a career-high seven blocks in 26 minutes off the bench, finishing plus-20. His seven blocks tied for the second-most in Celtics playoff history and made him the first player in NBA playoff history with at least 10 points, nine rebounds, seven blocks, and a 100% field goal percentage in a game.
The Celtics and Knicks were tied at 59 at halftime. Kornet played the entire third quarter, during which Boston outscored New York 32-17. With Kristaps Porzingis limited by illness to just 12 minutes, scoring one point and missing all field goals, Kornet's defensive presence was key. Kornet guarded Josh Hart, while Jrue Holiday defended Karl-Anthony Towns.
Celtics head coach Joe Mazzulla and teammates Jaylen Brown and Derrick White praised Kornet's contributions on both ends of the floor. Kornet, who previously played for the Knicks, will start in place of Porzingis for Game 6, marking his first career playoff start.
Game 6 is scheduled for 8:00pm ET, with the Knicks leading the series 3-2.
Mazzulla swaps Luke Kornet into the starting lineup for Kristaps Porzingis after Kornet's massive performance in Game 5. First career playoff start for Kornet; we'll find out early if Tom Thibodeau has an alternate plan of attack that can force Kornet out of the paint more.
