Bench reactions provide some of the best clips in basketball. The D’Angelo Russell-era Brooklyn Nets did it best, dancing and celebrating their way to virality. And this season, the Boston Celtics have been slowly building their case for the best in the league, all led by Luke Kornet.
“To be honest, I just get really excited about certain guys making certain types of plays,” Kornet told CelticsBlog.
Though it may not be his goal to make a splash on social media, that’s exactly what he’s done throughout the season. His bench reactions have been some of the best in the business.
Kornet expresses his joy with fist pumps, high knees, and lots of jumping. But because he’s 7-foot-2, the already huge reaction turns into an unmissable display of unbridled excitement.
“I’m just doing it because I’m having fun,” Kornet said. “I guess it probably is— I’m a little large, and I tend to cover a lot of space when I’m celebrating. So, I don’t know, it’s not really intentional, but yeah, just excited.”
Even layups get Kornet going.
Celtics bench – led by Luke Kornet- celebrates Dalano Banton’s putback layup.
Banton has 4 pts, 3 rebounds so far in his first career start for the Celtics. Celtics up 78-58 with 7:46 to go in Q3. pic.twitter.com/0YKI6za1lG
— Noa Dalzell (@NoaDalzellNBA) November 27, 2023
As far as the “certain guys” Kornet has been particularly excited about his season, Sam Hauser tops the list. His fellow Bus One Boy has been finding the bottom of the basket more than ever this year, but not just with his silky smooth three-point shot.
“Well, Sam has been on a dunk streak early on in the season, and that’s something that— I mean, for all of those around the gym, you know how people talk about certain teammates they had and like [in the] first practice, they throw down some crazy dunk, and they’re like, ‘Oh wow.’ Well, we’ve been waiting for Sam to start pulling them out, and so that’s great to see.”
And so when Hauser threw down an alley-oop, Kornet’s elation kicked into high gear. He jumped in stride with Hauser and couldn’t contain his happiness after the fact.
Meanwhile, Jaylen Brown’s monster slams didn’t draw the same hype from Kornet when asked, as he delivered a sarcastically blasé response regarding the Celtics star.
“JB obviously has some incredible dunks,” said Kornet. “So, that’s per usual.”
However, his nonchalant attitude towards Brown’s fanatics isn’t in line with the delirium that ensued after he threw down a windmill dunk mid-game.
It may not be Kornet’s goal to lead the league in viral bench reactions, but he’s certainly on his way to doing so. If the Celtics produce a highlight, keep an eye out for Kornet’s antics on the bench. And if he’s a part of the highlight, watch out for the bird hands from last year.
Kornet will be ready to celebrate whether he’s on the bench or on the hardwood.
