SUMMARY
- Al Horford recorded 22 points, 15 rebounds, and 5 assists including 3 blocks and a steal in Game 5.
- The 37-year-old veteran executed an incredible play that had the entire TD Garden on it's feet.
The Boston Celtics are arguably the strongest team in the playoffs amongst all other groups competing right now. And as everybody expected, the Celtics eliminated the Cleveland Cavaliers from the playoffs to advance into the Eastern Conference Finals for the third time in three years. Al Horford was certainly the man behind their elimination game success after he erupted on the offensive side of the matchup. His presence will be key to giving the Celtics an edge over whoever their next opponent might be.
In spite of what people may think about the 37-year-old veteran, he’s helped the Celtics a lot since Kristaps Porzingis’ exit in round one against the Miami Heat. In Game 5, the veteran center shot 6-13 from deep range while recording 22 points, 15 rebounds, and 5 assists including 3 blocks and a steal. Overall the Celtics managed to balance out responsibilities in order to make the shorthanded Cavaliers scramble.
Fans react to 37-year-old Al Horford’s historic Game 5
Towards the end of the second quarter, Al Horford started erupting. However, it was one defensive play that caught the eyes of the spectators around him. After the Celtics fired a missed three-pointer, Tatum nearly smacked the ball out of bounds. Horford realized that they would’ve lost possession and quickly ran to the corner, jumped, and tapped the ball onto Dean Wade to cause a Cavaliers turnover.
Al Horford playing his ass off, and his son is so hyped pic.twitter.com/SpZTicRWZm
— Taylor Snow (@taylorcsnow) May 16, 2024
Horford fantastic tonight, even makes ME feel younger!
— ThrutheLookingGlass (@vctrn363) May 16, 2024
This play had everybody in the arena on their feet including Horford’s son, Ean. Fans couldn’t help but appreciate the effort the veteran delivered from his side as one X user said, “Al Horford playing his a** off, and his son is so hyped.” Another fan added, “Horford fantastic tonight, even makes ME feel younger!” Horford has always been a primary focal point in defense but despite being 37, he hasn’t shown much decline in athleticism either.
Joe Mazzulla perfectly describes what Al Horford brings to the table for the Celtics
Al Horford is generally a quiet contributor on the floor, who averaged 8.6 points, 6.4 rebounds, 2.6 assists, and one steal per game during the regular season coming off the bench. However, he has brought 17 seasons worth of experience to the roster and Joe Mazzulla credits his leadership for the Celtics success.
Mazzulla said, “Everybody is a leader on a team in a different way. And Al leads instrumentally, not much of a talker. Tonight, you saw his gift. His gift is just passion, inspiration, toughness, competitive nature, and obviously, you know those games are tough. The team is fighting for their lives and you’re trying to play as hard as you can.” Coach Mazzulla claims Al’s personality was on full display in Game 5.
Now, the Celtics await the winner of the New York Knicks-Indiana Pacers series. The Knicks are currently 3-2 in the series with a chance to eliminate the Pacers in Game 6. However, the Pacers might be a bigger threat in the ECF considering they have a healthy roster, unlike the Knicks.