The Boston Celtics’ victory over the Chicago Bulls on Saturday night was defined by their impressive three-point shooting, with Boston making 21 threes compared to Chicago’s nine. However, a closer look at the game reveals another key factor at play.
Despite the Bulls’ strong shooting percentage of 57.3% compared to the Celtics’ 51.2%, Boston dominated the rebounding battle. The Celtics grabbed 41 rebounds, while the Bulls only managed 29, with Boston also winning the offensive boards 12-3.
In a surprising turn of events, Luke Kornet outperformed Chicago’s top rebounders, Nikola Vucevic and Andre Drummond, with a career-high 13 rebounds, including five on the offensive end.
Kornet’s hustle and energy on the glass earned praise from his teammates, particularly Al Horford, who described Kornet as “unbelievable” for his crucial offensive rebounds, tap-outs, and put-backs.
Although three-pointers were initially seen as the difference-maker in the game, Kornet’s efforts helped the Celtics outscore the Bulls 23-2 on second-chance points, with Boston capitalizing on 13 second-chance opportunities to Chicago’s four.
After the game, Kornet humorously attributed his rebounding success to effort, highlighting the importance of trying hard on the court. His impactful performance on the glass ultimately played a vital role in securing the Celtics’ victory and extending their win streak.
