Boston Celtics big man Al Horford has long been an anchor for his team, so its no surprise he was a big part of the club’s Game 1 victory to open the 2023 postseason. Horford finished with 6 points, 9 rebounds, and 2 assists to go with a steal and 2 blocks, but per usual, his impact on the game went far beyond box score stats.
Now in his sixteenth year as a pro, Horford has established himself as one of the NBA’s top veteran talents. Not only has he done a nice job keeping Father Time time at bay, but the former Florida Gator is now a critical leader in the Celtics locker room.
After Saturday’s game, his teammates were quick to praise Horford’s emotional leadership and reliability.
Joe Mazzulla honored One Boston Day and the anniversary of the Boston Marathon Bombing ahead of Saturday’s action between the Celtics and Hawks. https://t.co/zIIlGNdPvN
— The Celtics Wire (@TheCelticsWire) April 15, 2023
“I can’t say enough about Al.” Jaylen Brown said after the game. “Al’s a professional. He does it on both ends. He makes timely shots. He grabs timely rebounds. And you know, he’s probably one of the best off the court leaders in the NBA.”
Brown is himself a leader for Boston. Nearly ten years younger then Horford, however, Brown knows the veteran big is key to his team’s success.
“Al’s been great all around since he’s been with the Celtics, and we’ll lean on him more as we go throughout the playoffs.”
So much of what Horford offers is in between the action. As Derrick White explained, Horford often serves as the emotional foundation for Boston.
‘It starts with him,’ says Joe Mazzulla of Marcus Smart’s defensive masterpiece vs. Atlanta https://t.co/4zE3Gy8Hxo
— The Celtics Wire (@TheCelticsWire) April 15, 2023
“When things are going good, he’s rounding everybody up,” White said. “And when things are going bad, he’s bringing everybody together. That’s just the way he’s been.”
Boston went up 32 against Atlanta at one point during Game 1, though the Hawks fought back to make things a little closer in the second half. As soon as the Celtics collected themselves, though, it was blouses for Atlanta. Horford was a big part of Boston closing the door.
“He makes big plays when we need them,” White said. “Big emotional plays. He did that tonight and we just kind of fed off of that.”
PHOTOS – Atlanta at Boston, Game 1: Celtics beat Hawks 112-99 to take 1-0 series lead https://t.co/NvSDINiWZo
— The Celtics Wire (@TheCelticsWire) April 15, 2023
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