Former Teammate Praises Luka Garza’s Growth With Celtics
· Yahoo Sports
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On Sunday, March 22, Luka Garza faced off against his old team when the Minnesota Timberwolves visited the TD Garden. Unfortunately for the fifth-year big man, Minnesota snagged the win, defeating the Celtics 102-92. Garza played 17 minutes in the loss, ending the night with 5 points, 6 rebounds and 1 assist, shooting 2-of-7 from the field.
When speaking to the media after the game, Timberwolves big man Naz Reid discussed Garza’s growth with the Celtics this season, while also revealing a conversation he had with the big man during the game.
“It was fun, I told him, he was at the free throw line, I was like ‘d**n you got stronger’ but it was good, you know, good to see him actually get real minutes in play and affect the game,” Reid said. “And we all knew he could; it’s just good to see it being done on another team and in a real game situation. I think that goes to the work that he put in, the way that he changed his body, and the hard work and dedication that he brings to the game. So, I’m sure they love him here; we loved him in Minnesota, so I can only imagine how it is in Boston.”
Garza joined the Celtics during the summer, having failed to crack the Timberwolves' rotation during his three-year tenure with the franchise. However, Garza has emerged as a reliable member of Boston’s second unit, stretching the floor, controlling the glass and proving himself to be one of the better screeners in the NBA. He’s also improved on the defensive end, which was previously a knock on his viability as an NBA-level center.
With another year left on his contract in Boston, Garza will have plenty of opportunity to continue developing his game. Of course, he will face a fight with the recently acquired Nikola Vucevic, who is currently out injured. Nevertheless, Garza has been a welcome surprise this season, and judging by Reid’s comments, Garza’s rise has been a long time coming.
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