If coming off the bench is bothering veteran Boston Celtics big man Al Horford this season, it certainly isn’t showing. On a night when the Florida alum got a spot start with star big man Kristaps Porzingis was out nursing a bruised knee, Horford was asked what changes when he gets the nod for a role he’s held for nearly his entire NBA career. “The only difference is starting and not starting,” replied the Celtics forward.
“But besides that, I feel like that’s what I do for the most part,” continued Horford. “If I have to guard on the perimeter, if I have to guard on the post, create energy in different ways, shoot 3s, get to the bat, different things.”
“I’m trying to do whatever I can to help our group,” added the Boston big man.
Celtics Lab 227: On Boston's early trends 10 games into the 2023-24 season with Drew Carter https://t.co/UpHbBi8EkA pic.twitter.com/MIcUrzfcWD
— The Celtics Wire (@TheCelticsWire) November 15, 2023
On a night when his number was called, Horford came up big for the Celtics, logging 14 points and 10 boards in a throwback game that may have calmed those worried that the Dominican forward might be slipping in terms of what he can do on the court.
And while it might just be one data point in a season with 81 others, without Horford’s elevated play on Wednesday night, it is very unlikely Boston fans would have a win vs. the Sixers to celebrate.
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