Kornet sets the tone off the bench for the Boston Celtics against the Cleveland Cavaliers in Game 1.

When news got out that Kristaps Porzingis was going to miss some time with a right soleus strain, guys like Luke Kornet and Xavier Tillman Sr. needed to step up with Al Horford moving into the starting lineup. In Game 1, Kornet answered the bell and made a significant impact on the game.

The greatest compliment I can give Kornet and the team is that I forgot Porzingis was even out.

In 21 minutes, Kornet grabbed 10 rebounds, blocked two shots, provided two assists, and scored four points. It was the energy he brought that was key. When in, Kornet contested shots at the rim. Even when he didn’t get his hand on the ball, he made life difficult for the Cleveland Cavaliers forcing them to take difficult shots.

Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images

Boston grabbed 13 offensive rebounds, and Kornet accounted for six of them. Extra possessions, especially in the postseason, cannot be overlooked. Boston outrebounded Cleveland 55-38 in the game. In their two wins against the Cavs this year, Boston outrebounded them 45 to 35 and 44 to 39. Even in the game we lost back in March, the Celtics were better on the glass (53-42), even if they blew a 20-point lead with less than 10 minutes left.

Luke, who was known all season for his infectious personality, the “Korntest”, and for giving Boston what they need each game, showed once again why he’s one of the more important and dependable bench options.

“Guys have had different experiences throughout their careers. They’re at the point now where winning is the most important thing and nothing can get in the way of that,” Joe Mazzulla said.

Photo by Jesse D. Garrabrant/NBAE via Getty Images

Kornet epitomizes putting the team first. Knowing he’s not going to start many games let alone get significant minutes, Kornet has to stay ready and wait for his moment. As part of the “stay ready” group, Kornet talked again about his mindset coming into a game where he knew with KP out, he’d get an extended run.

“We’ve had guys up and down and I think it’s kind of trying to have that same mentality. Obviously, you know that there’s a little bit more coming your way so you do the little things you can to kind of [prepare] for that game better,” Kornet said. “But honestly, I just try to bring energy and try to make a difference in the game and, fortunately, I was able to do it tonight. I just got to find a way to make our team better and make our guys better.”

Luke received plaudits from the fans as he fought for extra possessions and made his presence felt as soon as he checked into the game. Kornet talked about starting strong as a point of emphasis.

“I feel like first and foremost, coming in with the physicality and the energy. I feel like that’s where it starts for us,” he said. “I feel like we did a great job of that. Honestly, it feels like a long time since we played, so I think just coming up with that kind of approach at the start and just letting things carry from that.”

The energy and physicality were apparent all game. Mazzulla praised Luke, saying he was “tremendous.”

“Him, Payton, X, Sam. Great minutes. Great minutes by all those guys… It’s important to have guys like that, and I thought Luke’s presence was [great] tonight,” Mazzulla said.

Jaylen Brown took time to talk about Luke’s performance as well.

“I thought Luke was exceptional when he came in. He added value to the second group, he contested shots at the rim, rebounded, and made timely plays on offense,” Brown said. “He’s been working hard. Yeah, he’s had some injuries up and down, but Luke has been tremendous for our team and brings great energy when he’s in there. If he can continue to do that, step up even on the road, and continue to make plays that [will be] huge.”

Luke, who’s been in the league since 2017, talked about how he’s “honored” to play on this team.

“It’s just an honor to be able to play with this team and to be playing in the playoffs. [I’m] just trying to put my best foot forward and play hard and help us get wins,” he said. “It’s great to be able to do that and to start off the series in that way. Hopefully we just kind of keep doing that and I can play my part in it. It’s a great environment. It’s a lot of fun to be a part of.”

If Kornet continues to play with the energy and physicality that he did tonight, the Celtics will be in good shape knowing they have a reliable force behind them.