Al Horford demonstrated his enduring value as the Boston Celtics overcame the Los Angeles Lakers with a 111-101 victory on Saturday. At 38, Horford defied expectations by playing a crucial 37 minutes, contributing 14 points, 9 rebounds, and 4 assists. Despite relentless pressure from the Lakers, Horford's performance stood out as he set the defensive tone for the Celtics.
The Lakers targeted Horford throughout the game, isolating him 23 times according to Second Spectrum tracking data. Despite these efforts, Horford allowed only 0.39 points per direct play, achieving the second-best efficiency by any player defending at least 15 isolations in a game over the last 12 seasons. His resilience and effectiveness underscored his nickname "old reliable," a testament to his consistent contributions to the Celtics.
Horford has been a central figure in many of the Celtics' successes during his two stints with the team, earning admiration from teammates and fans alike. Jayson Tatum expressed his admiration by stating:
"I'm the biggest Al Horford fan there is. I love that guy." – Jayson Tatum
Horford himself acknowledged the challenge and satisfaction of playing at such a high level against a formidable opponent like the Lakers, who had won eight consecutive games before facing the Celtics. He commented on the experience:
"It's good for us and it's good to play at this level of ball. [The Lakers] have been playing really well, won eight straight I think it was. So yeah, I think these types of games are good for us." – Al Horford
Horford's enduring energy and defensive prowess were pivotal in securing the win for Boston. His ability to maintain such a high level of play continues to impress, even as he approaches the twilight of his career with 1,314 NBA games under his belt.
His teammate Jaylen Brown echoed Tatum's sentiments, highlighting Horford's reliability and influence on the team. Horford's contributions extend beyond statistics; his leadership and experience are invaluable assets that help guide the Celtics through challenging matchups.
Throughout the game, Horford not only maintained his defensive stance but also played with an energy that belied his age. His performance included a mix of strategic plays and light-hearted moments, such as jokingly calling for an alley-oop during another possession. These instances reflect his passion and commitment to the game, qualities that continue to inspire his teammates.
Head coach Joe Mazzulla also recognized the importance of letting players embrace moments that define their legacy on the court:
"Everybody on this roster is playing for a legacy, and you do it together, and I felt like that was a great moment for them to be able to compete at a high level for as long as they wanted to." – Joe Mazzulla
As Horford looks ahead, he has circled an upcoming game against the Oklahoma City Thunder on his calendar. This focus on future challenges underscores his desire to keep proving himself and pushing the limits of his capabilities.
Reflecting on his journey and current form, Horford stated:
"You kind of have to prove yourself out there." – Al Horford
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