The Boston Celtics have had their fair share of playoff heartbreak in recent years, but they showed they are more than ready to handle the pressure of opposing crowds in their 128-120 victory over the Atlanta Hawks on Thursday night. Veteran big man Al Horford, in particular, proved to be a key factor in the win, despite struggling in the series prior.
“There’s some people you can talk trash to. If you talk trash to me, it’s probably not good for you,” Horford said, relishing the opportunity to silence a Hawks fan who had been jeering him.
Horford had been relatively quiet in the first five games of the series, scoring in single digits and even putting up a donut in Game 4. But he came up big when it mattered most, hitting key shots and spacing the floor to make the lives of his teammates easier.
The Celtics have shown that they can win without Horford’s scoring contributions, but his ability to stretch the floor adds an extra dimension to their offense, particularly with stars Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown commanding so much defensive attention.
Horford’s ability to step up when it matters most is a testament to his experience and leadership, qualities that have made him a valuable addition to the Celtics’ roster.As the Celtics prepare to face the Philadelphia 76ers in the Eastern Conference Semifinals, Horford’s ability to make big plays and silence opposing crowds could prove to be a key factor in their success.
Al Horford’s Resilience Shines Through as Celtics Clinch Series Against Hawks
Boston Celtics’ veteran Al Horford played a key role in the team’s 128-120 victory over the Atlanta Hawks on Thursday night, despite his lackluster performance in the series so far.
Horford, who had scored in single digits in the first five games of the series, stepped up when it mattered the most. He navigated through screens, guarded Trae Young, and dealt with his floaters and threes.
Despite Atlanta’s attempts to play him off the court, Horford stayed in the game for 30 minutes, delivering a crucial four-point run in the fourth quarter that included a corner three-pointer and a taunt directed towards the Hawks’ bench. Horford’s performance sparked a five-point run by Jayson Tatum and a high-rising putback slam by him.
Horford’s contribution to the Celtics’ victory was significant, with 10 points, 12 rebounds, four assists, two steals, and three blocks. His ability to space the floor and navigate screens made life easier for his teammates, and he proved that he is not someone to be trifled with.
