Sun Jan 04 05:10:00 UTC 2026: News Article:
Luka Garza’s “Hustle” Sparks Celtics’ Second Unit
Boston, MA – Luka Garza, recently reinserted into the Boston Celtics’ rotation, is making a significant impact with his relentless hustle and unexpected skill in setting screens. While “hustle” stats often highlight deflections and loose ball recoveries, Garza is topping the league in screen assists since December 20th, racking up 28 in just 132 minutes.
Garza’s screen assists aren’t just about brute force; they demonstrate a keen understanding of defensive schemes. As CelticsBlog’s Nik Land has pointed out, Garza actively reads and reacts to the defense, directing his teammates with the precision of a seasoned point guard.
His contributions are translating into wins. The Celtics are outscoring opponents by a staggering 29.2 points per 100 possessions when Garza is on the floor, and his presence has revitalized the second unit. Notably, his partnership with Anfernee Simons has led to a +6.0 net rating, and Sam Hauser has found his shooting stroke, hitting 24 of his last 48 three-pointers.
Garza’s offensive rebounding is another key element of his game, highlighted by a nine-rebound performance on the road in Toronto. The Celtics are clearly a different team with Garza on the court, sporting a 127.7 offensive rating when he plays versus a 113.1 rating when he is on the bench and the defensive rating also shifts dramatically in his favor. Coach Mazzulla seems to have found a valuable asset in Garza, who, at a reasonable $5.2 million over two years, could become a crucial piece in the Celtics’ championship aspirations.
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