Horford provided 12 points (4-7 FG, 3-6 3Pt, 1-2 FT), seven rebounds, four assists and one block over 25 minutes during Tuesday's 116-99 win over Miami in Game 4 of the Eastern Conference Finals.
Horford's best scoring total of the series came at the right time, as the Boston frontcourt held steady in the do-or-die contest. The veteran struggled through tepid scoring and below-average rebounding over the first three games against the Heat, but Game 4 was a significant turnaround despite him almost fouling out. Although Horford isn't known for long-range proficiency, he nailed three of six attempts beyond the arc in the blowout.
Horford supplied six points (2-6 FG, 2-5 3Pt), 10 rebounds, three assists, three blocks and two steals across 34 minutes during Sunday's 112-88 win over the 76ers in Game 7 of the Eastern Conference Semifinals.
Horford out-rebounded the NBA MVP in Game 7, and although he didn't take many shots, he bested Joel Embiid off the glass. Horford struggled to score throughout the series but was able to log double-digit rebound totals in two games during the series against the Sixers. The Heat may prove to be a tougher test for Horford, who failed to post double-digit scoring and rebound totals over three games against Miami this season.
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Celtics' Al Horford: Struggles offensively
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Horford ended Thursday's 95-86 victory over the 76ers in Game 6 of the Eastern Conference Semifinals with two points (1-5 FG, 0-2 3Pt), 11 rebounds, one assist, one block and one steal in 39 minutes.
Horford continues to struggle on the offensive end of the floor, managing just two points on 1-of-5 shooting, and those two points represent his grand total over the past two games. While he is still impacting the game in other ways, the Celtics would love for him to find some rhythm, if only to take some of the pressure off the likes of Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown.
Horford recorded 17 points (6-8 FG, 5-7 3Pt), seven rebounds, two assists and two steals in 31 minutes during Friday's 114-102 win over the 76ers in Game 3 of the Eastern Conference Semifinals.
Horford played a key role Friday, nailing a team-high five three-pointers, including a number of clutch baskets. With all five starters scoring in double digits, the Celtics were able to hold off the 76ers, taking back home-court advantage in the process. Game 4 will be in Philadelphia on Sunday, where the Celtics will look to once again assert their dominance.
Celtics' Al Horford: Strong two-way effort Thursday
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Horford registered 10 points (4-8 FG, 2-6 3Pt), 12 rebounds, four assists, three blocks and two steals across 30 minutes during Thursday's 128-120 win over the Hawks in Game 6 of the Eastern Conference Quarterfinals.
Horford had his best game of the series, notching a double-double to go with five combined steals and blocks. These are the numbers Celtics fans would love to see from Horford on a more regular basis. However, now edging toward the back end of his career at 36 years old, performances such as this only come along every so often.
Horford ended Tuesday's 119-117 loss to the Hawks in Game 5 of the Eastern Conference Quarterfinals with three points (1-5 FG, 1-3 3Pt), six rebounds, five assists, five blocks and one steal across 33 minutes.
Horford struggled on the offensive end but salvaged his evening with six combined steals and blocks. With Robert Williams unable to rack his usual allotment of blocks, Horford took it upon himself to anchor the defense. The Celtics have now lost two consecutive contests and will head to Atlanta for Game 6 with the Hawks full of confidence.
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Celtics' Al Horford: Grabs 11 boards in Game 4 win
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Horford finished Sunday's 129-121 victory over Atlanta in Game 4 of the Eastern Conference Quarterfinals with zero points (0-2 FG, 0-2 3Pt), 11 rebounds, five assists and two steals across 34 minutes.
Horford was held scoreless in Game 4, but he finished with his most rebounds, assists and steals of the opening-round series. The veteran big man hasn't been aggressive offensively over the first four playoff matchups against Atlanta and has averaged just 5.5 points (4.8 attempts), 7.0 rebounds, 3.3 assists, 1.3 blocks and 1.0 steals in 33.3 minutes per game.
Horford amassed eight points (3-7 FG, 2-6 3Pt), four rebounds and three assists over 29 minutes during Friday's 130-122 loss to Atlanta in Game 3 of the Eastern Conference Quarterfinals.
Horford was quiet in the loss, continuing what has been a modest series, to say the least. Over the three games, he has scored 22 points, unable to provide the Celtics with any offensive punch. While points are certainly not a strength at this point in his career, it would be nice to see him at least present a threat.
Horford (back) isn't on the injury report for Game 1 of the Eastern Conference First Round against Atlanta on Saturday.
Horford sat out three of Boston's final five games of the regular season due to a back issue, but he'll be able to suit up for the Celtics' first postseason matchup. Over 15 appearances since the start of March, he's averaged 10.9 points, 6.5 rebounds and 4.1 assists in 29.9 minutes per game.
