Daily Knicks
Fansided

Former Knicks forward Luke Kornet makes NBA Finals debut with Celtics

By Jordanna Clark

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - APRIL 07: Luke Kornet #2 of the New York Knicks and the rest of the team celebrate the win over the Washington Wizards at Madison Square Garden on April 07, 2019 in New York City. The New York Knicks defeated the Washington Wizards 113-110.NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - APRIL 07: Luke Kornet #2 of the New York Knicks and the rest of the team celebrate the win over the Washington Wizards at Madison Square Garden on April 07, 2019 in New York City. The New York Knicks defeated the Washington Wizards 113-110.NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit

A 75-year streak was on the line, but it was Luke Kornet and the Boston Celtics who ended up making sure that the New York Knicks would be represented in the NBA Finals. And in Game 2, Kornet made his finals debut in a 107-88 loss for Boston.

The 26-year-old went undrafted in 2017 and then signed a two-way contract with the Knicks. He spent two years in New York and played in a total of 66 games, which is the most that he’s played for any franchise in his five years in the league.

After averaging 7 points, 2.9 rebounds, and 1.2 assists in what ended up being his final season with the Knicks, Kornet signed with the Chicago Bulls in 2019. In 2021-22, he’s played for a total of three teams — the Cleveland Cavaliers (two games), the Milwaukee Bucks (one game), and now the Celtics.

And although Boston lost by nearly 20 points on Sunday night, Kornet got to enjoy playing, and scoring, on the NBA’s biggest stage. In four minutes, he shot 1-of-1 from the field for two points, as well as one assist.

Former Knick Luke Kornet scores two points in first NBA Finals appearance

In the Celtics’ 120-108 win over the Golden State Warriors in Game 1, Kornet was the lone player on Boston’s roster to not enter the game. That changed a few nights later, but not necessarily for a good reason. If the Celtics wouldn’t have dug themselves into a hole, Kornet wouldn’t have made an appearance in garbage time.

However, unlike New York, who hasn’t made it to the NBA Finals in over two decades, Kornet should be proud of where he’s at right now considering he went undrafted five years ago.

And with the series tied at 1-1 and Boston preparing to host two games at TD Garden, the Celtics could head back to San Francisco with a 3-1 lead. From there, all that Boston would have to do is win one more game and Kornet would be an NBA champion.

Of course, as Knicks fans, that wouldn’t be the preferable outcome. But it would be pretty cool to see Kornet get a ring. Is there a way that he could get one and not the rest of the Celtics team?

Home/Knicks News