The Celtics won the internet with a solar eclipse message featuring Luke Kornet
The tribute to Kornet's signature move is a must-see.
Forgot to pick up a box of fancy eclipse sunglasses ahead of the solar event Monday afternoon? Fear not, New Englanders, Luke Kornet to the rescue.
The Celtics posted a photo to their Instagram account Monday morning featuring Kornet blocking the sun and moon with his hands – a reference to the center’s signature move (other than the dab).
The defensive technique – sometimes called the “Kornet Contest,” or more appropriately “The Eclipse” – is used to block the view of the basket from the shooter on three-point attempts. And while he has acknowledged it can look a little goofy, it has a fairly high success rate.
During a recent game against the Phoenix Suns on March 9, the Kornet Contest was 3 for 3. “The eclipse was made for the Sun,” the big man told NBC Sports Boston’s Abby Chin in a post-game interview. “You know what I’m saying? There’s something there, obviously.”
The closeout move, which has been a part of Kornet’s arsenal since 2022, is especially effective given his size. The 7-foot-one center (combined with his seven-and-a-half foot wingspan) uniquely applies pressure to his opponents even when he can’t make it all the way to the three-point line in time.
“I think that’s something he is good at and watched a lot of film,” coach Joe Mazzulla told The Athletic’s Jared Weiss in 2022. ”I think it’s a good way to contest without getting into a closeout. It’s a solid tactic, so it works.”
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