Kornet will return to a bench role for the Celtics in Friday's game against the Lakers. After starting Wednesday's win against the Clippers, Kornet will assume his usual role off the bench. Boston is getting key players back for this matchup.

The little-used guard got the call when Boston couldn't stop the Clippers' guards. He delivered stout defense and more in an overtime win.

Anthony Davis scored 24 points, Austin Reaves added 23 and the Los Angeles Lakers cruised to a 117-96 victory over the Boston Celtics on Thursday night.

(250124) -- LOS ANGELES, Jan. 24, 2025 (Xinhua) -- Los Angeles Lakers' LeBron James (L) shoots under the defence of Boston Celtics' Luke Kornet during the 2024-2025 NBA regular season match between Los Angeles Lakers and Boston Celtics in Los Angeles, the United States, Jan. 23, 2025. (Photo by Ringo Chiu/Xinhua).

Starting against Atlanta

The Celtics outlasted the severely shorthanded Clippers 117-113 in overtime, getting key contributions from a surprise source.

Late in the first quarter, LeBron James found himself one-on-one with Celtics center Luke Kornet near the three-point line. With the shot clock running out, LeBron James had to make something happen. He made his move, blowing past the big man with ease.

Dyson Daniels hit a short jumper in the lane with just over a minute left in overtime and Onyeka Okongwu made two free throws with 11 seconds left, lifting the Atlanta Hawks to a 119-115 victory over the Boston Celtics.