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Al Horford’s two-way brilliance in the 2022 NBA Playoffs

By Jack Kelly

MILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN - MAY 09: Al Horford #42 of the Boston Celtics handles the ball against the Milwaukee Bucks during Game Four of the Eastern Conference Semifinals at Fiserv Forum on May 09, 2022 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. The Celtics defeated the Bucks 116 - 108. 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 Stacy Revere/Getty Images)
MILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN - MAY 09: Al Horford #42 of the Boston Celtics handles the ball against the Milwaukee Bucks during Game Four of the Eastern Conference Semifinals at Fiserv Forum on May 09, 2022 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. The Celtics defeated the Bucks 116 - 108. 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 Stacy Revere/Getty Images) /
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Al Horford
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.

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