Fri Jan 02 04:00:00 UTC 2026: Summary:
Luka Garza, after a period of being out of the Celtics’ rotation due to defensive struggles, has revitalized his role with three strong performances. His offensive rebounding and overall impact have significantly boosted the team’s bench performance, leading to a minutes squeeze for younger players like Josh Minott. Garza’s recent surge has been a key factor in the Celtics’ winning streak and successful start to the season.
News Article:
Luka Garza’s Resurgence Sparks Celtics’ Bench, Puts Young Wings in Minutes Squeeze
Boston, MA – After spending much of December on the bench, veteran center Luka Garza has emerged as a key contributor for the Boston Celtics, sparking a revitalization of the team’s bench and creating a logjam for playing time among the team’s young wings.
Garza, who signed with Boston this offseason, initially struggled to find his footing in the rotation, leading to reduced minutes. However, an opportunity presented itself on December 20th against the Raptors, and Garza seized the moment with a double-double. Since then, he has strung together three impressive performances, including a 15-point, 4-rebound outing in a dominant win against the Pacers on Friday night.
Garza’s recent surge has significantly impacted the Celtics’ bench production. He’s averaging 11 points and 7.7 rebounds over his last three games with a remarkable net rating of +39.7 during that stretch. His offensive rebounding has been particularly impactful, contributing to the team’s current four-game winning streak.
Garza’s newfound success has created a competition for minutes among the Celtics’ young wings. Josh Minott, who had been a bright spot for the team earlier in the season, received a DNP-CD (Did Not Play – Coach’s Decision) in Friday’s game, signaling the impact of Garza’s emergence. While the rotation is expected to remain fluid, Garza’s performance demonstrates the depth and flexibility the Celtics possess as they navigate their promising 19-11 start to the season.
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