Al Horford: ‘Overly reliable at everything”

The Boston Celtics ripped down 45 total rebounds in Thursday’s win over the Cleveland Cavaliers. Al Horford had 10 of them.

His performance against the Cavs marked the second time in three games that the 37-year-old big man cracked double digits on the glass. Despite moving to the bench for the first time (except for that dreadful year in Philly) in his career, Horford’s play has continued to be inspired and impactful for the Cs.

Over his past six appearances, No. 42 has had a positive plus/minus five times, including tonight where he was a +9.

Head coach Joe Mazzulla explained that Horford has been able to remain a key contributor to the team’s success because of his “competitive desire.”

“Success looks different for each guy each and every night,” Mazzulla said after Boston’s 116-107 win over Cleveland. “Al got one rebound, and I have no idea how he got it, over like four people, you know. He gave a passionate fist bump on the way out and it’s that type of competitive desire that he brings, regardless of his role. There are situations that he goes eight, 10, or 12 minutes without touching the ball and he just plays.”

There was no situation where that was more on display than in the closing minutes of the game when Horford had just checked in for Kristaps Porzingis, after watching on the bench for the majority of the fourth quarter. Jaylen Brown immediately found the vet in the corner for an open three, which, of course, found the bottom of the net to put the game out of reach.

It was a prime example of how reliable he is.

“He’s just reliable,” said Jrue Holiday of Horford. “He is overly reliable at everything.”

Early in the second quarter, Horford found himself switched onto speedy Cavs guard Darius Garland and held his own. He stayed in front of the quicker Garland and wound up blocking his shot.

Towards the end of the third quarter, the Celtics were reeling a bit as Cleveland began to make up some ground. The lead was down to four when Horford battled down low for a key offensive rebound a putback to push the cushion back to six points.

A little later, he secured Boston another crucial extra possession, which led to a loud Lamar Stevens dunk.

Though his 7-point, 10-rebound, and 3-assist stat line might not jump right off of the sheet, Horford’s fingerprints were all over Boston’s 116-107 win over Cleveland. The story has been the same for many of the team’s 18 wins so far this season.

“His willingness to be a great teammate is massive for us,” Mazzulla continued. “He’s in the right spot on both ends of the floor, literally every single possession.”

Despite the age, despite the change in role, Al Horford is always ready to contribute to winning.