Celtics’ Luka Garza Shines in Best NBA Game Yet Against Magic

ORLANDO — Luka Garza, the 26-year-old center for the Boston Celtics, put on a remarkable performance on Sunday night, scoring 16 points and grabbing 8 rebounds in a 111-107 victory against the Orlando Magic. This game marked perhaps the best performance of Garza’s young NBA career.

Garza’s basketball journey has not been easy. In high school, coaches questioned his athleticism and encouraged his father, Frank, to seek other options for his son. Frank recalled coaches telling him, ‘Don’t waste your time – Luka’s tripping on the foul line as a ninth grader.’ At 6’7” as a freshman, he struggled to keep up but was determined to pursue basketball.

Despite a celebrated college career at Iowa, where he earned accolades including National Player of the Year in 2021, Garza was drafted as a late second-round pick by the Detroit Pistons in 2021. For years, he found himself buried on the bench, playing limited minutes with both the Pistons and the Minnesota Timberwolves.

The breakthrough moment for Garza came this summer when the Boston Celtics expressed interest in signing him. Frank Garza described his reaction to the call from Celtics President of Basketball Operations Brad Stevens, saying, ‘I nearly passed out. The Celtics weren’t even on our radar.’

Garza’s work ethic is notable. He reportedly took over 42,000 practice shots last year, more than any player in the NBA, according to a data service. ‘The person who shot the most shots in practice, and after practice, in all of the NBA was Luka Garza,’ Frank shared proudly.

During his minutes on the court last season, Garza proved to be effective, drawing more charges per possession than any other player in the league. Celtics General Manager Brad Stevens acknowledged Garza’s potential, calling him a ‘stats darling.’

Despite not being a prominent player in his early years, the opportunity with the Celtics has allowed Garza to flourish. He has averaged 5.9 points and 3.5 rebounds in 13.4 minutes per game so far this season, showing promise in his role.

In the game against the Magic, Garza was instrumental in the fourth quarter, scoring 8 points and grabbing 5 rebounds when it mattered most. ‘To be able to be out there in those moments, and win a game like that, it was definitely a lot of fun,’ Garza remarked.

Frank Garza continues to support Luka, attending nearly every game. He praised the Celtics’ coaching staff for their commitment to player development. ‘It’s a village – and that is why I call it the Cathedral of Excellence,’ he said.

Amid the competition for minutes, players like Garza and Neemias Queta maintain a positive relationship, reflecting the camaraderie present on this year’s Celtics team. ‘These are high-character athletes… that’s what Brad and Joe put together,’ Frank noted.

This season is shaping up to be a transformative experience for Luka Garza, who has battled for recognition throughout his career, with the support of his family and the intentional culture of the Celtics guiding him forward.