NEW YORK, NEW YORK – APRIL 23: Al Horford #42 of the Boston Celtics shoots against Bruce Brown #1 of the Brooklyn Nets during Game Three of the Eastern Conference First Round NBA Playoffs at Barclays Center on April 23, 2022 in New York City. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images).
Al Horford’s gravity as a spot-up option and pick-and-pop threat has been crucial to Boston’s offensive success with a five-out set.
Since his early days with the Atlanta Hawks, the former All-Rookie First-Team selection has always had a ‘stretch’ element to his offensive game. Before the three-point revolution, the average stretch five had the capability to extend defenses with a 17-foot jumper.
Entering the league out of Florida, Horford was equipped with such ability, shooting an adequate 48% on long two’s in his first four seasons. Though somewhat clunky, the 35-year-old has perfected his catapult-like jumper, and through the course of fifteen seasons, has added a reliable outside stroke.
Through the first two rounds against the Brooklyn Nets and Milwaukee Bucks, Horford has terrorized opposing defenses with his ability to knock down open jumpers. With Rob Williams III being mostly unavailable, coach Udoka and staff have elected to emphasize space on offense, implementing a five-out attack. Almost all line-up combinations with Horford at the five enable the Celtics to space the floor and attack the defense with a variety of ball screen options.
Per Cleaning the Glass, the veteran big-man is shooting an absurd 59% on all mid-range tries and a sizzling 47% on triple tries. The efficient stroke, paired with his flexibility as a screener, has given the Bucks fits, as his skillset is the ideal counter to their drop coverage style of defense. Horford’s 30 point performance in Game 6 exemplified this:
In addition to the shooting, Horford has made a number of timely reads as a distributor. The wily Horford has always presented adept passing skills throughout his lengthy career. While the raw figure of 3.1 assists per game doesn’t indicate a significant impact, Horford’s proficiency to make savvy connective passes is illuminated in the advanced metrics.
Per Synergy Sports, as a scorer in the half-court, Horford ranks in the 89th percentile, registering 1.219 points per chance. Factor in assists, and plays involving Horford skyrocket to a preposterous 1.492 points per possession, situating him behind only future hall of fame point guard Chris Paul (1.504 PPP) amongst players involved in 100 or more possessions.
It simply cannot be understated how crucial the offensive dynamicity Horford has been for the Celtics.
Boston Celtics, the veteran big-man has been a key cog to the success of the Eastern Conference powerhouse. Through 10 contests, Horford is in the midst of arguably his best postseason stretch, boasting a statline of 13.7 points, 9.3 rebounds, 3.1 assists, as well as a combined 2.6 steals and blocks for good measure.</p>
<p>However, entering his latest campaign at age 35, there was apprehension surrounding what version of Horford the Celtics were inheriting. A mere two years prior, the former Gator had arguably his worst season as a pro, struggling mightily next to Joel Embiid on the <a href=https://hoopshabit.com/2022/05/15/al-horford-brilliance-playoffs/2/"https://hoopshabit.com/eastern-conference/philadelphia-76ers/">Philadelphia 76ers.</p>
<p>In the following season, Horford found new life after being dealt to the now well-known NBA career-revitalization program in <a href=https://hoopshabit.com/2022/05/15/al-horford-brilliance-playoffs/2/"https://hoopshabit.com/western-conference/oklahoma-city-thunder/">Oklahoma City</a>. With the Thunder, the five-time All-Star was able to play free of pressure and expectation, putting together a productive 28-game stretch before being shut down as a means for OKC <a href=https://hoopshabit.com/2022/05/15/al-horford-brilliance-playoffs/2/"https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/31148420/sources-oklahoma-city-thunder-shut-al-horford-seek-offseason-trade" target="_blank" rel="noopener">to turn to younger players in the nightly rotation.</a></p>
<p>Horford’s two-year roller coaster ride between stops with Boston is what makes this postseason run so unlikely. The dual-threat big-man has wound back the clock on both ends of the floor. The malleability he offers is essential to Boston’s elite half-court execution.</p>
<p>In this piece, I’ll provide a deeper insight into Horford’s incredible two-way impact and how his half-court play has given the Celtics the opportunity to knock off the defending champs.</p>
<div class="next-slide slider"> <a class="next-slide-btn" style="background:#222423" data-track="shortcode" data-track-action="next-slide-shortcode" href=https://hoopshabit.com/2022/05/15/al-horford-brilliance-playoffs/2/"#"> <span class="title">Next:</span> Offense </a>
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<img class="wp-image-445010 size-full" src=https://hoopshabit.com/2022/05/15/al-horford-brilliance-playoffs/2/"https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/fetch/c_fill,g_auto,f_auto,h_2391,w_3200/http%3A%2F%2Fhoopshabit.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2Fgetty-images%2F2018%2F08%2F1393849283.jpeg" alt="Al Horford" width="3200" height="2391" srcset="https://hoopshabit.com/wp-content/uploads/getty-images/2018/08/1393849283.jpeg 3200w, https://hoopshabit.com/wp-content/uploads/getty-images/2018/08/1393849283-768x574.jpeg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 3200px) 100vw, 3200px"><div class="fs-center-img">
<p class="wp-caption-text" style="width:3200px;">NEW YORK, NEW YORK – APRIL 23: Al Horford #42 of the Boston Celtics shoots against Bruce Brown #1 of the Brooklyn Nets during Game Three of the Eastern Conference First Round NBA Playoffs at Barclays Center on April 23, 2022 in New York City. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images).</p>
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<h2>Al Horford’s gravity as a spot-up option and pick-and-pop threat has been crucial to Boston’s offensive success with a five-out set.</h2>
<p>Since his early days with the <a href=https://hoopshabit.com/2022/05/15/al-horford-brilliance-playoffs/2/"https://hoopshabit.com/eastern-conference/atlanta-hawks/">Atlanta Hawks, the former All-Rookie First-Team selection has always had a ‘stretch’ element to his offensive game. Before the three-point revolution, the average stretch five had the capability to extend defenses with a 17-foot jumper.</p>
<p>Entering the league out of Florida, Horford was equipped with such ability, shooting an adequate 48% on long two’s in his first four seasons. Though somewhat clunky, the 35-year-old has perfected his catapult-like jumper, and through the course of fifteen seasons, has added a reliable outside stroke.</p>
<p>Through the first two rounds against the <a href=https://hoopshabit.com/2022/05/15/al-horford-brilliance-playoffs/2/"https://hoopshabit.com/eastern-conference/brooklyn-nets/">Brooklyn Nets and <a href=https://hoopshabit.com/2022/05/15/al-horford-brilliance-playoffs/2/"https://hoopshabit.com/eastern-conference/milwaukee-bucks/">Milwaukee Bucks, Horford has terrorized opposing defenses with his ability to knock down open jumpers. With Rob Williams III being mostly unavailable, coach Udoka and staff have elected to emphasize space on offense, implementing a five-out attack. Almost all line-up combinations with Horford at the five enable the Celtics to space the floor and attack the defense with a variety of ball screen options.</p>
<p>Per Cleaning the Glass, the veteran big-man is shooting an absurd 59% on all mid-range tries and a sizzling 47% on triple tries. The efficient stroke, paired with his flexibility as a screener, has given the Bucks fits, as his skillset is the ideal counter to their drop coverage style of defense. Horford’s 30 point performance in Game 6 exemplified this:</p>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Al Horford was a perfect 6-for-6 from the field in Q4 on his way to setting a Playoff career-high in points (30) and leading the <a href=https://hoopshabit.com/2022/05/15/al-horford-brilliance-playoffs/2/"https://twitter.com/celtics?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%22>@celtics to the win! <a href=https://hoopshabit.com/2022/05/15/al-horford-brilliance-playoffs/2/"https://twitter.com/hashtag/BleedGreen?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%22>#BleedGreen</a><a href=https://hoopshabit.com/2022/05/15/al-horford-brilliance-playoffs/2/"https://twitter.com/Al_Horford?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%22>@Al_Horford: 30 PTS, 8 REB, 5 3PM</p>
<p>Game 5: Wed. 7pm/et on TNT <a href=https://hoopshabit.com/2022/05/15/al-horford-brilliance-playoffs/2/"https://t.co/tXopE33UpA">pic.twitter.com/tXopE33UpA
<p>— NBA (@NBA) <a href=https://hoopshabit.com/2022/05/15/al-horford-brilliance-playoffs/2/"https://twitter.com/NBA/status/1523901786087698433?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%22>May 10, 2022</a></p></blockquote>
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<p>In addition to the shooting, Horford has made a number of timely reads as a distributor. The wily Horford has always presented adept passing skills throughout his lengthy career. While the raw figure of 3.1 assists per game doesn’t indicate a significant impact, Horford’s proficiency to make savvy connective passes is illuminated in the advanced metrics.</p>
<p>Per Synergy Sports, as a scorer in the half-court, Horford ranks in the 89th percentile, registering 1.219 points per chance. Factor in assists, and plays involving Horford skyrocket to a preposterous 1.492 points per possession, situating him behind only future hall of fame point guard Chris Paul (1.504 PPP) amongst players involved in 100 or more possessions.</p>
<p>It simply cannot be understated how crucial the offensive dynamicity Horford has been for the Celtics.</p>
<div class="next-slide slider"> <a class="next-slide-btn" style="background:#222423" data-track="shortcode" data-track-action="next-slide-shortcode" href=https://hoopshabit.com/2022/05/15/al-horford-brilliance-playoffs/2/"#"> <span class="title">Next:</span> Defense </a>
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<img class="wp-image-445021 size-full" src=https://hoopshabit.com/2022/05/15/al-horford-brilliance-playoffs/2/"https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/fetch/c_fill,g_auto,f_auto,h_2133,w_3200/http%3A%2F%2Fhoopshabit.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2Fgetty-images%2F2018%2F08%2F1395394882.jpeg" alt="Al Horford" width="3200" height="2133" srcset="https://hoopshabit.com/wp-content/uploads/getty-images/2018/08/1395394882.jpeg 3200w, https://hoopshabit.com/wp-content/uploads/getty-images/2018/08/1395394882-768x512.jpeg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 3200px) 100vw, 3200px"><div class="fs-center-img">
<p class="wp-caption-text" style="width:3200px;">BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS – MAY 03: Al Horford #42 of the Boston Celtics defebnds Jrue Holiday #21 of the Milwaukee Bucks during the third quarter of Game Two of the Eastern Conference Semifinals at TD Garden on May 03, 2022 in Boston, Massachusetts. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)</p>
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<h2>The defensive versatility of Al Horford is key to the variety of effective defensive schemes available to Boston.</h2>
<p>The beauty in Al Horford’s skillset will always be attributed to his versatility. The word ‘versatility’ is thrown around a lot in the NBA. In the world of basketball, the word ‘versatile’ is used in a complimentary sense, often used to describe players adept at guarding multiple positions.</p>
<p>Adaptable defenders tend to exhibit all the necessary physical traits to lock up a variety of opponents – height, long arms, lateral quickness, and strength, to name a few. Even at the ripe age of 35, Horford is still equipped with the aforementioned physical traits.</p>
<p>However, while the athletic components are essential, Horford’s defensive technique is what makes him special as a defender. When switched onto ball handlers, Horford immediately widens his stance, knees bent, with his rangy 7’1 wingspan stretched to its full extent.</p>
<p>When you couple his physical aspects with his defensive acumen, it’s no surprise the Celtics are holding opponents to 88.2 points in the half court per 100 possessions with Horford anchoring the defense (Per Cleaning the Glass).</p>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Al Horford blocks his 3rd shot of the night!<a href=https://hoopshabit.com/2022/05/15/al-horford-brilliance-playoffs/2/"https://twitter.com/celtics?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%22>@celtics 84<a href=https://hoopshabit.com/2022/05/15/al-horford-brilliance-playoffs/2/"https://twitter.com/Bucks?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%22>@Bucks 73<a href=https://hoopshabit.com/2022/05/15/al-horford-brilliance-playoffs/2/"https://twitter.com/hashtag/NBAPlayoffs?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%22>#NBAPlayoffs</a> presented by Google Pixel on ESPN <a href=https://hoopshabit.com/2022/05/15/al-horford-brilliance-playoffs/2/"https://t.co/XWOMOVaopj">pic.twitter.com/XWOMOVaopj
<p>— NBA (@NBA) <a href=https://hoopshabit.com/2022/05/15/al-horford-brilliance-playoffs/2/"https://twitter.com/NBA/status/1525290694650531840?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%22>May 14, 2022</a></p></blockquote>
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<p>The true test of a big’s diversity on defense is when they are switched onto the perimeter to guard opposing wings. Horford has been tasked with guarding each of Milwaukee’s best players in the Celtics’ conference semifinals matchup with the Bucks.</p>
<p>Per NBA.com, Horford has contested a total of 109 field goal attempts between Giannis Antetokounmpo and Jrue Holiday, in which the duo has converted just 43 tries, shooting a combined 39.4% from the floor when matched with the Celtics center.</p>
<p>While Horford has plenty of support from his defensively-talented running mates, his defensive performance these playoffs has been nothing short of stellar.</p>
<p>Entering a do-or-die Game 7 this Sunday, the Celtics are going to need every bit and more of the Al Horford we have seen this postseason.</p>
<div class="fs-shortcode" data-type="StoryLink" data-theme="dark" data-text="Top 3 landing spots for Zach LaVine this offseason" data-url="https://hoopshabit.com/2022/05/14/landing-spots-zach-lavine/" data-call-to-action="Next"> <div class="story-link-next"> <a class="story-link-next-btn" style="background:#222423" data-track="shortcode" data-track-action="story-link-next-shortcode" href=https://hoopshabit.com/2022/05/15/al-horford-brilliance-playoffs/2/"https://hoopshabit.com/2022/05/14/landing-spots-zach-lavine/"> <span class="call_to_action">Next:</span> Top 3 landing spots for Zach LaVine this offseason </a> </div>
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