Luka Garza was the unsung hero in the Boston Celtics' 107-103 victory vs. the New York Knicks.
In his team's home opener, Mitchell Robinson got two fouls in the first three minutes. He played just 9:12 in the first half. Neemias Queta also picked up a pair of personals in the first frame.
When Joe Mazzulla turned to the former National Player of the Year at Iowa, Boston's third center delivered clutch minutes that helped shape the outcome.
One may raise an eyebrow at that label for a stretch that started in the first quarter. However, those minutes were crucial. The Celtics don't win on Friday without his contributions.
How Luka Garza helped swing the Celtics' win over the Knicks
The sixth-year veteran subbed in late in the first frame, with the hosts trailing by two. He quickly forced a turnover from Jose Alvarado. Then he buried a corner 3 at the other end.
On New York's first possession of the second period, Garza swallowed up an Alvarado drive. The visiting guard got into the middle of the paint with a path to a layup. The six-foot-10 center cut him off. Instead of trying to score, he attempted to slip a pass past the outstretched arms of the former Minnesota Timberwolf. Garza snagged the batted ball, thwarting another Knicks possession.
When New York got back on offense, his physicality made Andre Drummond's transition layup attempt difficult. After influencing a miss at the rim, Garza ran the floor and set a hard screen, getting Paul George a clean look from beyond the arc. He then rolled to the rim, got in front of Drummond, grabbed the offensive rebound, and finished off the glass.
The following time down the floor, the 27-year-old from the nation's capital drilled another 3. Down four, New York signaled for a timeout. Garza's night was over after that. That stretch with Robinson and Queta in foul trouble could have gone either way. He turned that opportunity into a shift that helped swing the outcome in a four-point win.
Luka Garza plays a crucial role for the Celtics
Most of the minutes at center will go to the two players the franchise signed to moderately sized contracts this summer. However, Garza plays an important role.
You won't find someone in the league who plays harder. When Joe Mazzulla calls his number, he knows he's getting an infusion of energy. His relentless nature comes with excellent screens, second-chance opportunities, and a reliable three-ball.
Having a steady option to complement Robinson and Queta gives Boston the best trio of centers in the NBA. As Garza showed on Friday against the Knicks, he's not just capable of winning his minutes; he can swing the outcome in the Celtics' favor.
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