Al Horford makes NBA history with incredible Game 5 stat line originally appeared in NBC Sports Boston
The oldest remaining player in the 2024 NBA playoffs was the best player on the field Wednesday night at TD Garden.
Al Horford had an epic performance in Game 5 of the Eastern Conference Semifinals, leading the Boston Celtics to a 113–98 victory over the Cleveland Cavaliers, which earned them a 4–1 series win and their sixth trip to the Conference Finals. East for the last eight years.
The 37-year-old’s final stat line: 22 points on 8-of-15 shooting (6-of-13 3-pointers) with 15 rebounds (seven offensive), five assists, one steal and three blocks.
According to NBC Sports Boston statistician Dick Lipe, Horford is the first player in NBA History record at least 10 rebounds, five 3-point shots, five assists and three blocks in a playoff game.
Players in NBA playoff history with at least 10 rebounds, 5 three-pointers, 5 assists and 3 blocks.
Al Horford, tonight
No one else.-Dick Lipe (@DickLipe) May 16, 2024
Al Horford is the first player in NBA history with
More than 20 points
15+ REB
5+3P
3+ BLACKin a playoff game (he is the oldest player still in the playoffs). pic.twitter.com/QijuEWtiiQ
– StatMuse (@statmuse) May 16, 2024
What’s more, Horford is the second oldest player in NBA history to score at least 20 points, 10 rebounds and five assists in a playoff game, behind only Hall of Famer Kareem Abdul-Jabbar.
Al Horford is the second oldest player in NBA playoff history to have at least 20 points, 15 rebounds and 5 assists in a game. He is second only to Kareen, who had a 30-17-8 record against the Celtics on May 30, 1985.
-Dick Lipe (@DickLipe) May 16, 2024
That’s a remarkable achievement for a 17-year veteran who will turn 38 on June 3. The Cavs were daring Horford to shoot early Wednesday night — he was just 3-of-8 from 3-point range in the first half — but the big man made them pay down the stretch, going 3-of-5 from beyond the arc. in the second half and ending his night with a dagger in the final minute.
The Celtics needed someone in their frontcourt to step up on Wednesday, with Kristaps Porzingis still sidelined with a calf injury and their offense looking lethargic in the first half.
Boston’s elder statesman rose to the challenge and more.
