When the Boston Celtics saw Al Horford and Luke Kornet depart in free agency, they needed a reliable presence in the paint. Enter Luka Garza—a two-time Big Ten Player of the Year from Iowa who brought his college scoring touch to the NBA. In his first season with the Celtics, Garza didn't just fill a roster spot; he redefined his career.

Playing a career-high 69 games—including six starts—Garza averaged 16.2 minutes per night and delivered numbers that would make any bench player proud: 8.1 points, 4.1 rebounds, and one assist per game, all personal bests. But what truly set him apart was his efficiency. Shooting an eye-popping 43.3% from beyond the arc, Garza showed he could stretch the floor and knock down clutch 3-pointers when it mattered most.

While he may not have been the flashiest player on the court, Garza's gritty, no-nonsense style was exactly what the Celtics needed off the bench. Whether he was battling for boards alongside Neemias Queta or stepping up in key moments, Garza got the job done.

Relive the best moments from Luka Garza's breakout 2025-26 regular season—a campaign that proved hard work and consistency can turn a role player into a fan favorite.