The Boston Celtics’ main boast over other squads in the NBA Playoffs is their undeniable depth. Coach Joe Mazzulla can plug-and-play nearly every player on this roster, which is great, but there is someone who stands out in terms of intangibles. One might think it’d be one of Jayson Tatum, Jaylen Brown, Kristaps Porzingis, Derrick White, or even Jrue Holiday, but they’d be mistaken.
Al Horford has been the person that the Celtics have constantly depended on, and it showed in their NBA Playoffs gentlemen’s sweep of the Orlando Magic.
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Jayson Tatum even gushed about the Florida Gators alum before they settled things with the Magic in Game 5, via Khari Thompson of The Boston Globe.
Boston Celtics center Al Horford (42)Winslow Townson-Imagn Images
“Al is unbelievable. Big moments. The game is tied, four minutes left, and just making plays the entire night on both ends of the floor. At 38 years old, he’s picking up full court, doing whatever is asked of him. It just kind of sets the tone for everybody else. He has the heart of a champion,” the Celtics superstar said.
The Celtics have now overcome the Magic. Coach Joe Mazzulla and Co. are awaiting whoever emerges between the New York Knicks and Detroit Pistons. Either way, the Florida alum will have to battle it out with top-end big men in the second round of the NBA Playoffs.
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While he rarely exceeds 10 points, Horford’s exceptional talent on defense and conditioning has been his true ace. The Celtics will surely thank all their lucky stars that the veteran still plays this way.
Related: Al Horford Receives Heartfelt ‘Heart & Soul’ Praise From Jayson Tatum