Luka Garza delivered his most productive night since joining the Boston Celtics, pouring in 22 points and collecting seven rebounds in 27 minutes off the bench during Friday’s narrow victory over the Memphis Grizzlies.
The backup center moved back into the rotation after Nikola Vucevic suffered a fractured finger earlier this month. Garza acknowledged that his role could shrink once Vucevic returns, but said he intends to stay ready. “I love being a part of this team,” he said. “We play hard every single night, and when you do that, you put yourself in a good position.” Vucevic hopes to rejoin the lineup before the regular season ends.
Knicks secure head-to-head edge
Boston’s win was tempered by the New York Knicks’ one-point triumph in Brooklyn the same night. Because New York now holds a superior record against Atlantic Division opponents, the Knicks own the head-to-head tiebreaker for the Eastern Conference’s No. 2 seed should the teams finish with identical overall records.
Rotation notes
Rookie forward Jordan Walsh, once valued for his defensive impact, has fallen out of the rotation amid the Celtics’ depth on the wing. Guard/forward Ron Harper Jr. is expected to see additional minutes as the club anticipates converting his two-way contract to a standard deal, potentially limiting Walsh to spot duty.
Boston also faces an offseason decision on guard Payton Pritchard, who becomes eligible for a contract extension this summer.
Tatum working back into form
All-Star forward Jayson Tatum continues to search for rhythm after a prolonged absence. Teammate Jaylen Brown said he is focused on helping Tatum regain confidence. “Sometimes things are not going your way or you miss some shots early; you need an easy one,” Brown explained. “I’ve been there. It’s his first couple of games back, so I’m trying to find him in a rhythm and help him as much as I can.”
Source: Hoops Rumors
