How Horford’s connection with C’s fans was key to the Game 5 win against the Cavs originally appeared in NBC Sports Boston
BOSTON — An enthusiastic Al Horford could have been the difference between another disappointing Boston Celtics loss at home and a guaranteed ticket to the Eastern Conference finals.
TD Garden was noticeably quiet as the sparsely manned Cleveland Cavaliers stayed close through the first half of Wednesday’s Game 5. That was until late in the second quarter when Horford followed up a 3-pointer, forcing a Cavs turnover on the other end. Their enthusiastic reaction brought much-needed life to the building.
Just two minutes later, Horford sent the C fans into a frenzy with his hustle. The 37 year old man jumped into the Boston bank while chasing a loose ball and threw it past the Cavs.
Celtics star Jayson Tatum noted that moment as the one that flipped the switch at the Garden.
“That one played in particular when he saved the ball out of bounds in the last two minutes of the second quarter,” Tatum said. “It just gave us an extra possession and pumped up the crowd, pumped up our team. Those plays — they were very meaningful.”
Horford carried his energy into the second half, picking up where he left off with a dunk, a 3-pointer, three rebounds and an assist in the first five minutes of the third quarter. When he left the game at 6:24, fans recognized his efforts and gave him a standing ovation.
from Boston 113-98 victory It couldn’t have had a more fitting ending. With just under a minute remaining, Horford drilled his sixth and final 3-pointer and shared another moment with the Garden crowd.
“It’s special when you’re here at the Garden,” Horford said. “That’s something I don’t take for granted. The energy of the fans. Our fans love the Celtics. They want us to play hard, they want us to play the right way. And I felt very connected with them tonight, with the way we were playing. , which we achieved.
“I felt like there was this connection there, and there were just a few times that I wanted to be hugged by them in those moments. It fuels me, it fuels our team. So, it was really special here tonight.”
This wasn’t just a bounce-back performance for Horford, who went 0-for-11 from beyond the arc. It was historic. The five-time All-Star is the only NBA player to record at least 10 rebounds, five 3-pointers, five assists and three blocks in a postseason game. according to Celtics stats guru Dick Lipe. He finished with 22 points (8-15 FG, 6-13 3-PT), 15 rebounds, five assists, three blocks and a steal in 35 minutes.
The only other players with more than 20 points, 15 rebounds and five assists Horford’s age or older are LeBron James and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar. Asked what it was like to make history, a humble Horford remained focused on the team.
“It feels great because we won,” he said. “So that’s the only satisfaction I get from it. You can have a game like that and if you don’t make it, you know. But I’m happy because I was able to help the team win that game. We have to give credit to Cleveland. They were exhausted and they just didn’t give up.
Celtics coach Joe Mazzulla, two years younger than Horford, spoke glowingly after the victory over Horford’s leadership.
“Everyone is a leader on the team in a different way. Al leads instrumentally, he’s not a big talker. Tonight, you saw his gift,” Mazzulla said. “His gift is passion, inspiration, endurance, competitive nature. Obviously these games are difficult, right? mistakes and whatever the case may be, but that’s how Al is as a person. You saw his personality. I thought he was incredible.
Horford took over as the Celtics’ starting center throughout the series with Kristaps Porzingis sidelined with a calf injury. It was five tiring games for the veteran, but he will have plenty of time to rest for the next round. Additionally, Porzingis could return in time for the series, which would return Horford to his role as sixth man.
Boston will face the New York Knicks or Indiana Pacers in the Eastern Conference Finals. The Knicks hold a 3-2 series lead heading into Friday’s Game 6 in Indiana.
