Milwaukee Bucks: 5 keys to series vs. Celtics

2. Don’t let Al Horford get comfortable

Al Horford doesn’t seem like a typical star. He averages just 12.9 points per game, but always is among the league leaders in big-man assists, defensive help and smart passes. He has shown up again and again when the Celtics have needed him.

With Kyrie Irving out, Horford is this team’s best player, the first star of this new era to be signed. An All-Defensive Team shoo-in, Horford makes his impact all across the court. Not simply an elite defender, Horford’s offensive skills have elevated him to a high pick.

That is what the Bucks will need to slow down if they are going to conquer the Celtics, putting a body on Horford at all times so that he cannot easily survey the court and bumping him hard when he tries to post up.

If Horford is limited, the entire Celtics’ offense will be limited. That is the goal the Bucks will be striving for. Although Boston has talented young players that coach Brad Stevens will be leaning on, Horford is the engine. The Bucks’ ability to affect his game may decide how the offense as a whole flows for Boston.