Joe Mazzulla on Luka Garza’s work ethic and solid stretch of games:

“He has a special gift to just play harder than everybody else on the floor.” pic.twitter.com/cNuCK6mt3a

— Daniel Donabedian (@danield1214) November 13, 2025

BOSTON — Boston Celtics center Luka Garza does not look very graceful when he’s sprinting back on defense. The 6-foot-10 big man and his long limbs aren’t built for on-court elegance. Garza doesn’t seem to care though — all he’s concerned with is helping his team prevent a fastbreak bucket. Celtics head coach Joe Mazzulla notices that unconditional effort, and it’s clearly made an impression on him.

During a 131-95 beatdown of the Memphis Grizzlies on Wednesday night, Garza posted 14 points on 75% shooting to go along with a game-high 5 offensive rebounds in just 17 minutes of play off the bench. The 26-year-old has collected a combined 23 boards in his last three outings despite never recording over 19 minutes in a single game this season.

Following Boston’s most lopsided victory of the season, Mazzulla dealt out some high praise for his backup center.

“I think the last three games he’s played some inspired basketball,” Mazzulla complimented in his postgame press conference. “You know, he has a special gift to be able to play just harder than everybody else on the floor. He’s got to keep that up for us.”

Although Garza had a storied college career with the Iowa Hawkeyes — which culminated in his number being retired less than a year removed from his senior season — the NBA hasn’t been as easy for him. He’s averaged under 8 minutes per game over four years in the league and has never reached 40 games played in a single season.

With the Celtics, Garza can change that. And if he continues to hone his 3-point shot and crash the offensive glass like he did on Wednesday, he’ll earn minutes from Mazzulla.

“He has a way to get (offensive rebounds), I think he got one over like two, three people tonight,” Mazzulla said after the home win. “So he has the ability to kind of do that for us. And, you know, he’s been good. So he just has to keep playing inspired basketball.”

Garza’s next opportunity to shine at TD Garden will arrive on Sunday afternoon when the now 6-7 Celtics host the 3-7 Los Angeles Clippers. But he’ll have a chance to cut out more playing time for himself before that, as the Celtics will be able to fit in one practice (at least) during their next three days without a game.

Amid that span, Garza can further prove that all it takes to bring about his effort is a basketball, not cameras, not fans, and not outside expectations.

Listen to “Havlicek Stole the Pod” on:

Spotify: https://tiny.ee/CdKp

iTunes: https://tiny.ee/RK47

YouTube: https://tiny.ee/cOW3