BOSTON — NBA offenses revolve round attacking weaknesses, and the Los Angeles Lakers thought they discovered one in Boston Celtics heart Al Horford. They failed to appreciate the 38-year-old is definitely one in every of Boston’s biggest strengths, as Horford was an enormous asset within the Inexperienced Crew’s 111-101 victory on Saturday evening over the rival Lakers.
The five-time All-Star stuffed the stat sheet and completed with 14 factors, 9 rebounds, 4 assists, three steals, and one block. He even boasted a plus-minus score of plus-16, sufficient for the second-highest score of any participant.
On offense, the Lakers sought out Horford. They threw their premier scorers, stars LeBron James and Luka Doncic, proper at him and tried to make the most of his pace. Isolating Horford did not work in addition to Lakers head coach JJ Redick most likely envisioned, however Celtics head coach Joe Mazzulla was loving each minute of it.
“It motivates him. When folks do it, it motivates him,” Mazzulla mentioned of the Lakers’ makes an attempt to hunt Horford. “And I acquired to observe 5 possessions of him defend at a excessive stage. At one level I wasn’t teaching, I used to be simply watching him. And I used to be like, ‘man, this man’s a future Corridor of Famer.’ I get to observe this without spending a dime. And you’ve got to have the ability to have that perspective. So I believe he was motivated by that, and he is simply an innate competitor and it conjures up our workforce.”
Joe Mazzulla mentioned he was in awe watching Al Horford defend tonight and that being focused by opposing offenses motivates him:
“At one level, I wasn’t teaching him. I used to be simply watching him. Man, this man is a future Corridor of Famer.” pic.twitter.com/NgVUoXWOPQ
— Daniel Donabedian (@danield1214) March 9, 2025
Horford wasn’t fazed when the Lakers tried to take him off the dribble. Regardless of his age, he saved tempo with a lot youthful guys like Doncic and received the one-on-one matchup a handful of instances. Horford’s skill to be a boon, and never a legal responsibility, on the defensive finish is a significant purpose why he’s nonetheless thriving 18 seasons into his NBA profession.
Why Jayson Tatum is Al Horford’s ‘largest fan’
Celtics star Jayson Tatum understands Horford’s defensive prowess and thinks the long run Corridor of Famer’s longevity is very underrated.
“Al is one in every of a sort,” he acknowledged in his postgame press convention. “He is the anchor to our protection and the guts and soul of our workforce. He retains us emotionally regular. The issues that he is nonetheless capable of present in yr 18 are outstanding. I do not suppose that will get talked about sufficient, being an intricate half on a championship workforce in yr 18. And we would not be who we’re with out him.”
Jayson Tatum had extraordinarily excessive reward for Al Horford
“Al is one in every of a sort. He’s the anchor to our protection…I’m the largest Al Horford fan there’s. I like that man.” pic.twitter.com/sxt9iro5oA
— Daniel Donabedian (@danield1214) March 9, 2025
Tatum was very complimentary of his teammates after the double-digit victory, refusing to attract a lot consideration to his stellar efficiency. The six-time All-Star contributed a game-high 40 factors to associate with 12 rebounds and eight assists. As well as, he performed a season-high 45 minutes to be able to safe the win and cease the Lakers’ late push, who minimize the Celtics’ as soon as 22-point result in as little as 4 factors with 5:06 remaining within the fourth quarter.
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Taking part in that many minutes is not straightforward, nonetheless, Tatum knew that irrespective of his stage of fatigue, he may depend on his teammates. And he particularly trusts Horford.
“What he brings on the defensive finish, we really feel comfy with him switching and guarding his yard and making it robust on whoever — figuring out that we’re all on the identical web page and serving to behind,” he revealed. “However we’re not frightened about who Al is guarding.”
Boston’s offense receives plenty of consideration, but its workforce protection is equally spectacular. The C’s personal the fifth-best defensive score within the NBA this season and proved why on Saturday, holding the Lakers to their lowest scoring output since Feb. 19. Horford, often known as the “anchor” of Boston’s protection, performed a major function in shutting down L.A.
“I am the largest Al Horford fan there’s,” Tatum praised. “I like that man.”
Earlier than squaring off with the reigning champion Celtics, the Lakers have been the most well liked workforce within the Western Convention and amidst an eight-game profitable streak. They’re going to depart Boston with that streak snapped and a handful of accidents, together with James’ left groin challenge that compelled him to exit the competition with 6:44 left within the remaining body.
As for the Celtics, they will enhance to 46-18 general and stay at house for a Monday night conflict with the Utah Jazz. After that, they will host the No. 1 seed within the Western Convention on Wednesday: the Oklahoma Metropolis Thunder. However earlier than the C’s set their sights on prevailing in what some have known as a possible NBA Finals preview, they wish to guarantee they deal with enterprise first in opposition to the Jazz.
“June is so far-off,” Tatum burdened. “Sh**, we gotta get there. And we’re not trying previous anyone. We acquired a recreation on Monday in opposition to the Jazz. That is all that issues proper now.”