“I’ll keep doing it” — Kristaps Porzingis believes the Kornet Contest “actually works”
Kristaps Porzingis and Luke Kornet
© Nick Wosika and Geoff Burke - USA TODAY Sports
When Luke Kornet first started performing what is now called the "Kornet Contest," it drew plenty of laughter from viewers in the NBA. However, it seems that leaping straight up from several feet away to contest a jump shot has become a highly effective defensive scheme. In fact, a star has jumped on board the train and started using the play.
Is it really working?
Kristaps Porzingis says the move "actually works." And because he has been practicing a data-driven approach to his game, the Washington Wizards big man's statement carries some weight.
The Latvian did say that the exact numbers are still yet to be crunched. But he feels that using his length and trying to block the opponents' view can cause them to miss or hesitate. Interestingly, Porzingis intends to continue implementing the play.
Recommended Articles
"I don't know what our numbers are, but at least from my feeling on the court, I feel like they have missed a bunch of threes when I have done the Kornet jump," Porzingis said. "So, I'll keep doing it."
In one instance where he used the Kornet Contest, the 7-foot-3 was able to bait Terance Mann of the Los Angeles Clippers into aborting an outside shot attempt and trying to drive past him. However, Porzingis was able to recover and force a turnover from Mann, resulting in a fastbreak opportunity for the Wizards.
Will Kornet become a household name because of the "Eclipse"?
Boston Celtics big man Kornet has had an unremarkable NBA career so far. Before this season, perhaps one of the most noteworthy aspects of his career is that he has already played for five different teams despite entering the league in 2017.
However, his fame shot up when pundits started taking notice of his unorthodox play, which he dubbed the Eclipse.
If other players than Porzingis begin using the move, then Kornet's name will become even more well-known. Of course, that won't guarantee him a roster spot every year. But with the way he has been playing for the Celtics this season (nearly averaging a double-double per 36 minutes and shooting 66.7% from the field), it won't be a surprise to see him play for more seasons in the Association.
