On Wednesday night, the Celtics became the first in the East to qualify for the conference semifinals by beating the Heat 114-84. A match marked by the return ofAl Horford in the starting five. This is the consequence of Kristaps Porzingis' right calf injury.
Given the scenario of the match, Al Horford only played 23 minutes for 8 points, 6 rebounds, and 3 assists. But it is a luxury for Boston to be able to count on this “sixth holder”.
“My state of mind remains the same”says Al Horford, about this change of status. “I want to bring energy and have an impact on the game. The difference is that I will find myself in positions to create more play in attack and we saw that tonight. In the first half, Jayson Tatum was two-handed, and he passed to me so I could find guys in position to shoot. When I come off the bench, it's usually in a different context, I'm more there to rule out the game and things like that. »
Another way to contribute to the team
The arrival of Kristaps Porzingis pushed Al Horford to the bench, and at almost 38 years old, he had to adapt. “I always approach things with the idea of helping our team win and making an impact,” continues the former Hawks player. “At the end of the day, I know what I can bring to a team and the things I can do. I just have to do it differently now. And in a way I wasn't used to. »
In the end, the five-time All-Star still started 33 matches due to Kristaps Porzingis' problems.
“I said to myself, 'I'll accept it, I'll stay the course, and when my opportunities come…I'll be ready for it.' Throughout the season it happened, and as it happens again, I had to be ready to demonstrate it. »
An almost unique experience
For the Celtics, the presence of Al Horford, as a starter or substitute, is precious. With his 171 playoff matches under his belt, he has the second highest total among active players, behind LeBron James. An essential experience for Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown, who discovered it in 2016.
“ I started playing here during Jaylen's rookie year and there's a certain level of comfort and trust with each other. I try to make it easier for them to play and have an impact. I feel like we feed off each other. The work we have done will bear fruit. We no longer try to learn to play together. We've been playing together for many years and I feel like it shows. »
As Kristaps Porzingis is expected to miss several games, Al Horford will remain the starter in the conference semi-finals, facing the winner of the series between the Cavaliers and the Magic. Two strong teams under the panels with the Mobley-Allen pair in Cleveland, and Banchero-Isaac in Orlando.
