Al Horford’s two-way brilliance in the 2022 NBA Playoffs
By Jack Kelly
While there’s no concrete data to quantify it, after 74 years of prior history, NBA folklore states that the playoffs are where the true skills of a player are tested. The postseason arena magnifies every play call, every shot, and every mistake, providing a landscape that only the best can thrive in. Fifteen seasons into his All-Star career, Al Horford has proven his ability to play under the NBA’s brightest lights, making 13 playoff appearances.
Al Horford’s two-way brilliance in the 2022 NBA Playoffs
In his second stint with the 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.
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 Philadelphia 76ers.
In the following season, Horford found new life after being dealt to the now well-known NBA career-revitalization program in Oklahoma City. 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 to turn to younger players in the nightly rotation.
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.
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.