Kornet closed Friday's 120-108 victory over Portland in Game 3 of the first round of the Western Conference playoffs with 14 points (6-9 FG, 1-1 3Pt, 1-2 FT), 10 rebounds, two assists and two blocks over 30 minutes.
With Victor Wembanyama (concussion) not yet cleared to return, Kornet made just his second career playoff start and delivered his first double-double in 46 postseason appearances. The 30-year-old center is averaging 11.3 points, 8.3 boards, 1.7 assists, 1.0 steals and 0.7 blocks in 24.0 minutes to begin the series, and Kornet could have a bigger role again in Game 4 on Sunday if Wembanyama remains sidelined.
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Spurs' Luke Kornet: Starting Friday
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Kornet will start Friday's Game 3 of the Western Conference first-round series against the Trail Blazers, Danny Marang of 1080 The Fan Portland reports.
With Victor Wembanyama (concussion) sidelined, Kornet will get the starting nod as San Antonio looks to retake the series lead. The big man averaged 7.8 points, 6.5 rebounds, 2.2 assists and 1.4 blocks in 25.8 minutes per contest over 25 regular-season starts.
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Spurs' Luke Kornet: Nears double-double in loss
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Kornet tallied 10 points (4-5 FG, 2-3 FT), nine rebounds, two assists and two steals across 28 minutes in Tuesday's 106-103 Game 2 loss to the Trail Blazers in the first round of the playoffs.
Victor Wembanyama went down early in the second quarter and did not return due to a concussion, opening the door for Kornet to see increased run. The big man finished second on the Spurs in rebounds and was one of five San Antonio players to record multiple steals. He also scored in double figures for a second straight game. If Wembanyama is unable to play in Game 3 on Friday, Kornet would likely get the starting nod and see a bump in minutes.
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Spurs' Luke Kornet: Available to play Sunday
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Kornet (shoulder) is not listed on the Spurs' injury report ahead of Game 1 of the first round of the playoffs against the Trail Blazers on Sunday.
Kornet was dealing with right shoulder soreness toward the tail end of the regular season, which prompted the Spurs to rest the veteran big man against the Nuggets on April 12. Kornet has been cleared to play Sunday and will likely remain the top big man off San Antonio's bench behind Victor Wembanyama.
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Spurs' Luke Kornet: Ruled out vs. Denver
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Kornet (shoulder) has been ruled out for Sunday's game against Denver.
Kornet is dealing with right shoulder soreness and will miss San Antonio's regular-season finale. He'll finish the regular season with averages of 6.5 points, 6.1 rebounds, 1.8 assists and 1.0 blocks across 21.0 minutes per game in 68 regular-season appearances (25 starts).
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Spurs' Luke Kornet: Not starting vs. Dallas
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Kornet won't start Friday's game against Dallas.
Victor Wembanyama (ribs) will return from a one-game absence, pushing Kornet to the second unit. The big man has averaged 5.4 points and 4.4 rebounds across 18.8 minutes per game over his last five appearances off the bench.
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Spurs' Luke Kornet: Starting Wednesday
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Kornet is in the Spurs' starting lineup against the Trail Blazers on Wednesday.
Kornet will make his 25th start of the season Wednesday due to the absence of Victor Wembanyama (ribs). Kornet's last start took place this past Thursday against the Clippers, when he played 25 minutes and finished with eight points, six rebounds and five assists in a 118-99 win.
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Spurs' Luke Kornet: Reverting back to bench
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Kornet is not part of the starting lineup for Saturday's game against the Nuggets.
Victor Wembanyama is back from a one-game absence for maintenance purposes, forcing Kornet to the bench. Over his last 10 games as a reserve, Kornet has averaged 5.7 points, 5.5 rebounds and 1.6 assists in 18.5 minutes per contest while shooting 56.4 percent from the field.
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Spurs' Luke Kornet: Entering starting five
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Kornet will start Thursday's game against the Clippers, Tomer Azarly of ClutchPoints.com reports.
Kornet will enter the starting lineup in place of Victor Wembanyama (ankle). Kornet's last start dates back to March 12, when he was held scoreless but recorded three rebounds, two steals and two blocks in 25 minutes.
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Spurs' Luke Kornet: Absent from injury report
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Kornet (knee) is off the injury report for Saturday's game against Milwaukee, Matt Guzman of SI.com reports.
After sitting out Wednesday's win over Memphis due to right knee injury management, Kornet is ready to return to the court for the Spurs to handle his usual duties as the No. 2 center behind Victor Wembanyama. Over his last five games, Kornet has averaged 5.8 points, 7.6 rebounds and 1.6 assists in 19.0 minutes per game while shooting 55.6 percent from the floor.
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Spurs' Luke Kornet: Officially questionable Tuesday
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Kornet (knee) is questionable for Tuesday's game against the Kings, per Paul Garcia of ProjectSpurs.com.
It's worth noting that head coach Mitch Johnson said Monday he's optimistic that Kornet would play Tuesday. If Kornet is unable to suit up, Carter Bryant would have an opportunity to seize a more prominent role in the frontcourt.
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Spurs' Luke Kornet: Looks poised to play Tuesday
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Spurs head coach Mitch Johnson said Monday that he's optimistic Kornet (knee) will be available for Tuesday's game in Sacramento, Tom Orsborn of the San Antonio Express-News reports.
Along with Kornet, Johnson also expressed confidence that guard Dylan Harper (calf) would be available Tuesday, which would bring the San Antonio rotation back to full strength. While Kornet was sidelined for Monday's 119-115 win over the Clippers due to a sore right knee, Carter Bryant (21 minutes) saw a slightly heightened role, and Mason Plumlee (six minutes) was added to the rotation as a backup option behind Victor Wembanyama.
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Spurs' Luke Kornet: Back to bench Saturday
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Kornet is not in the starting lineup for Saturday's game versus the Hornets.
Victor Wembanyama is back in the first unit after missing Thursday's loss to Denver with right ankle soreness. Kornet has averaged 4.3 points, 3.8 rebounds and 1.5 assists in 15.1 minutes per tilt across his last eight games off the bench, and he'll be battling for the backup center minutes with Mason Plumlee on Saturday.
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Spurs' Luke Kornet: Starting Thursday
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Kornet will start Thursday versus the Nuggets.
Kornet is getting the start with Victor Wembanyama (ankle) unavailable, and he'll be joined in the first unit by De'Aaron Fox, Stephon Castle, Devin Vassell and Julian Champagnie. As a starter this season, Kornet has posted averages of 8.0 points, 6.7 rebounds, 2.0 assists and 1.5 blocks per contest.
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Spurs' Luke Kornet: Cleared to return
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Kornet (leg) has returned to Monday's game against the Pistons, NBA reporter Matthew Tynan reports.
Kornet went to the locker room during the first half after picking up a leg contusion, but the team has since given him the green light to return. He should be available as needed down the stretch.
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Spurs' Luke Kornet: Picks up leg injury
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Kornet is questionable to return to Monday's game against the Pistons due to a right leg contusion, Brett Siegel of ClutchPoints.com reports.
Kornet picked up the injury in the first half and was spotted walking to the locker room with the team trainer. Kelly Olynyk could pick up a few extra minutes if Kornet is unable to return.
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Spurs' Luke Kornet: Looking good for Saturday
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Kornet (ankle/adductor) is "looking good" to return Saturday against the Mavericks, Michael C. Wright of ESPN.com reports.
Kornet was unable to play against the Mavericks on Thursday due to left ankle soreness and left adductor tightness, but head coach Mitch Johnson expressed optimism that the veteran big man would be available for Saturday's rematch. Kornet has served as the main backup to Victor Wembanyama this season, but the former's absence would likely lead to more minutes for Carter Bryant and Kelly Olynyk.
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Spurs' Luke Kornet: Questionable to face Dallas
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Kornet (ankle/adductor) is listed as questionable for Saturday's game against the Mavericks.
Kornet is in danger of missing a second consecutive contest due to left ankle soreness and left adductor tightness. If the big man isn't cleared to play, Victor Wembanyama and Carter Bryant would be candidates for a bump in minutes, while Kelly Olynyk could enter the rotation.
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Spurs' Luke Kornet: Ruled out Thursday
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Kornet has been ruled out for Thursday's game against the Mavericks due to left ankle soreness and left adductor tightness, NBA reporter Matthew Tynan reports.
After grabbing 15 boards in 15 minutes during Wednesday's win over the Thunder, Kornet will take a seat for the second half of San Antonio's back-to-back set. Carter Bryant should stick in the rotation Thursday, while Kornet is expected to be back in action Saturday during a rematch against Dallas.
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Spurs' Luke Kornet: Good to go Sunday
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Kornet (adductor) is available for Sunday's game against the Pelicans.
After missing Thursday's win over Utah due to left adductor tightness, Kornet will shed his questionable tag and suit up Sunday. The big man has averaged 8.2 points, 6.2 rebounds, 1.8 assists and 1.4 blocks in 21.0 minutes per game over his last five outings.
