The Boston Celtics' charge towards the summit of the Eastern Conference standings has uncovered a new hero. With star forward Jayson Tatum sidelined, the team's depth is being tested, and an unexpected name is rising to the occasion, capturing national attention and even earning a public nod from college basketball sensation Caitlin Clark.
Clark's Viral Reaction to Garza's Breakout
The spotlight turned squarely on Bosnian-American center Luka Garza after a social media exchange went viral. Celtics insider Marc D'Amico highlighted Garza's remarkable shooting on X, posting, "Luka Garza is the stretch big no one knew existed before this season. He's now shooting exactly 50% from 3-point range this season." To this, Indiana Fever star and former Iowa Hawkeyes teammate Caitlin Clark simply replied, "I knew."
This two-word endorsement traces back to the University of Iowa during the 2020-21 season. Clark was then a freshman, while Garza was a senior concluding a dominant collegiate career that earned him National Player of the Year honors. Clark's comment suggests she witnessed his potential long before his current NBA emergence.
Garza's Growing Role and Staggering Statistics
Luka Garza's role with the Celtics has expanded significantly as the season has progressed. Analyzing his performance reveals a clear upward trajectory:
- In his first 19 games, he averaged 13.1 minutes and 6.1 points per contest.
- Since re-entering the regular rotation, his playing time has jumped to 21.8 minutes per game.
- During this impactful stretch, his production has surged to 10.1 points and 5.7 rebounds per game, all while maintaining elite efficiency from the three-point line.
This consistent output has provided Boston with a reliable and unexpected boost off the bench, helping the team stack up wins and solidify its position in the upper echelon of the Eastern Conference.
Steady Impact in the Face of Adversity
Garza's value was on full display in a recent tough loss to the Denver Nuggets at TD Garden. Despite the team falling 114-110, ending a four-game win streak, Garza was a standout performer. In just 19 minutes of action, he scored 11 points and grabbed five rebounds without missing a single shot, going a perfect 5-for-5 from the field and hitting his only three-point attempt.
Most tellingly, the Celtics outscored the Nuggets by 11 points during his time on the floor. His ability to provide instant offense and spacing has made him a stabilizing force for a Celtics roster navigating injuries and adjusting roles. As Boston aims to dominate not just the East but the entire league, contributions from players like Luka Garza could prove to be the critical difference.
