The Boston Celtics grabbed a 111-101 home victory Saturday night, made all the sweeter because the win came against the team’s biggest rivals, the Los Angeles Lakers.
The Lakers have played like title contenders since bringing in Luka Doncic to play alongside LeBron James at the trade deadline. And indeed tonight’s game was a star-studded affair. LA’s dynamic duo combined for 56 points, while Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown dropped 71 for the Celtics. It takes a full team to win a championship, however, and on Saturday it was Boston’s supporting cast that really sealed the deal. Veteran big man Al Horford was instrumental for the Celtics, anchoring the team’s defense and serving as a crucial pivot point on offense.
After the win, Celtics head coach Joe Mazzulla explained that Horford more than met the moment. In fact, Mazzulla said Horford’s play was so impressive, he couldn’t help but sit back and watch the show just like everyone else.
Horford scored 14 points in 37 minutes to go with 9 rebounds, 4 assists. His defense was even more valuable, and the 38-year-old registered 3 steals and 1 block for the game. As is often the case, the box score only tells part of the story.
The Lakers patiently tried to isolate Horford on offense. Doing so allowed James and Doncic to attack the big man on an island, away from the basket. By Mazzulla’s estimation, Horford took the challenge personally.
“I think it motivates him,” Mazzulla said. “I think when when people do it, it motivates him.”
James and Doncic combined to shoot 40% from the field for the entire game, and struggled to get past Horford. Each stop delighted the fans at TD Garden, including Mazzulla. He explained that Horford’s performance turned him into a fan himself.
“I got to watch five possessions of him defend at a high-level,” Mazzulla said of Horford. “At one point I wasn’t coaching, I was just watching him.”
“I was like, ‘man, this guy’s a future Hall of Famer. I get to watch this for free’,” Mazzulla remarked. “He’s just an innate competitor, and it inspires the team.”
With Kristaps Porzingis sidelined once again, Horford’s defense was all the more valuable. Boston is set to host the Oklahoma City Thunder this Wednesday, another test for Horford and the Celtics.
