Celtics center Luka Garza has averaged 10.6 points and 6.4 rebounds in the last five games since rejoining Joe Mazzulla's rotation.
Celtics center Luka Garza has averaged 10.6 points and 6.4 rebounds in the last five games since rejoining Joe Mazzulla's rotation.Tyler Tate/Associated Press
SACRAMENTO — Luka Garza is back in the Celtics’ rotation after nearly a month on the bench and he has no plans of letting go of that status.
He was working feverishly as he usually does Thursday during the team’s shootaround prior to the Celtics’ matchup with the Kings.
Garza has gotten back into the good graces of Joe Mazzulla and he has become effective in getting the Celtics extra possessions with his rebounding prowess.
In five games since his return to the rotation, he is 18-for-28 shooting — 4 for 8 from the 3-point line — with 32 rebounds (22 offensive). This is the Garza the Celtics were banking on when he signed a two-year deal in the offseason.
“Just playing hard,” he said of his resurgence. “It’s simple, but I think it’s something that separates me from other guys, and on the floor that’s what helps me survive out there is just a level of effort that I bring.”
Mazzulla said Garza has done the little things to earn more opportunities.
“He’s been really consistent when he’s been on the floor,” Mazzulla said. “I think the thing that stands out is his offensive rebounding. His screening in the second unit opens up our shot quality and we’ve changed pick-and-roll coverages a little bit that has allowed us to have some turnover opportunities. From an execution standpoint, he’s playing well for us.”
A former college All-American, Garza didn’t get much playing time in his previous two stops with the Pistons and Timberwolves. The Celtics offered him a shot to play backup center minutes and he started well before tailing off and losing his role.
“Every time you go back to that not playing, it just kind of reminds you you want to be out there even more so,” he said. “Especially me, when I was out of the rotation and just knowing I could help this team and knowing I could be out there and help and not getting a chance to do that.”
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Big endorsement
In the first fan All-Star voting released this week, Jaylen Brown was a surprising sixth amongst Eastern Conference players, despite helping the Celtics to the third slot in the East with a career-best season. Brown expressed disappointment with the voting but his teammate advised him to focus on the source.
“I feel it’s something he shouldn’t even worry about,” Celtics guard Payton Pritchard said. “Who cares what the fans think? He’s going to be an All-Star. He’s going to be a top player in the league. Why care what the fans think? It’s what your peers think, what other players around the league think, coaches, how they game plan for you. That should be how he evaluates everything.”
Brown is averaging career highs in scoring, assists, field goal percentage, and free throw percentage.
“He’s producing, so I wouldn’t even worry about it,” Pritchard said.
Meanwhile, Pritchard bounced back in the win at Utah after a subpar game in his native Portland. He has reiterated this season his desire to be more aggressive with the ball, getting into the paint, creating opportunities for himself and teammates. He has said when he’s not aggressive, he’s not as effective.
“More attacking the paint, it’s not actually shots, pushing the pace, attacking the paint, when I’m doing that it creates offense for others,” he said. “It creates offense for myself and I’m efficient in the paint. When I’m hitting those, it makes the defense collapse and it’s getting Sam [ Hauser ] kickouts, it’s getting others kickouts. It makes the game better.”
Layups
The Celtics welcomed back backup forward Chris Boucher after missing three games because of personal reasons. His presence made for a fully available Boston roster. The Kings were missing two starters in Domantas Sabonis (knee) and Zach LaVine (ankle). Sacramento finished a miserable December when it was outscored by 12 points per game and finished 3-9.
Gary Washburn is a Globe columnist. He can be reached at gary.washburn@globe.com. Follow him @GwashburnGlobe.