Luke Kornet

More or less unphased by the noticeable absence of two All-Stars in their traditional starting lineup, the deep-as-they-come Boston Celtics made one thing clear on November 2, 2024: there’s no such thing as an easy night against the defending champions. Exemplifying the term “next man up” in a literal sense during his season’s first spot start, the 7-foot-2 veteran showcases grace, hunting down Tidjane Salaün’s corner 3-point attempt for a block, spurring a potential transition try. Rewarded for his hustle — and a powerful pick-and-roll that shifts the Charlotte Hornets’ defense entirely — Kornet receives a pass just a step away from the rim, guiding the basketball through for a paint score. Prevailing in the battle between “The Green Kornet” and “the teal Hornets,” Kornet, helping Boston upstage Charlotte twice in back-to-back nights, offered a 19-point, four-rebound, three-assist, one-steal, two-block showcase on flawless efficiency from the field (six-of-six) and from the charity stripe (seven-of-seven).