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Boston Celtics: Al Horford the Difference Against the Bucks

By Joshua Bateman

BOSTON, MA - FEBRUARY 26: Marcus Morris #13 and Al Horford #42 of the Boston Celtics embrace during a game against the Memphis Grizzlies at TD Garden on February 26, 2018 in Boston, Massachusetts. 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 Adam Glanzman/Getty Images)
BOSTON, MA - FEBRUARY 26: Marcus Morris #13 and Al Horford #42 of the Boston Celtics embrace during a game against the Memphis Grizzlies at TD Garden on February 26, 2018 in Boston, Massachusetts. 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 Adam Glanzman/Getty Images) /
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The Boston Celtics need the best version of Al Horford to take down the Milwaukee Bucks

Not too long ago, this game against the Milwaukee Bucks appeared to be  meaningless for the Boston Celtics. Perhaps they could have changed the Bucks’ seeding, but they appeared to be set in stone at the two seed.

Somehow, Brad Stevens has brought together anyone who can stay on the court, and they are on one of the most impressive winning streaks on the season, and this could be one of the most important games of the season.

The Celtics are two games behind the Toronto Raptors with one head to head remaining. The Raptors also happen to be playing the Cleveland Cavaliers tonight. If the Cavaliers manage to secure that victory, the Celtics officially control their destiny for the top seed, making the Bucks game an absolute must win.

The Celtics have been seeing their young players and the bottom of the bench step up in a special way. Jayson Tatum, Jaylen Brown, Terry Rozier and Marcus Morris are the players that have stepped up the most, but Al Horford will clearly be the most important player in this one.

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Horford has not been as flashy or exciting, but he has been absolutely crucial to this run, especially on defense. Horford is holding everything together for a team that has lost a lot of their versatility, he is the most reliable shooting big on a consistent basis, and he is the key in making sure everything functions the way it has been.

Against the Bucks, he needs to do even more. The Celtics need more than the kind of complete performance they get on a nightly basis from him, because Giannis Antetokoumnpo could easily destroy this game.

The Celtics do not have the top end fire power to combat Antetokounmpo if he takes over in the way only top transcendent talent in the league can. Not only can Horford be the difference that makes up for massive production, but he also has to be the one that contains Antetokounmpo enough to give the rest of the team a chance to win.

We have seen Horford shut down some of the most versatile bigs in the NBA this season, and he has seen some success against Antetokounmpo. The unfortunate reality is that it is going to be a lot harder without someone like Marcus Smart out there helping in other areas.

Horford will have the toughest defensive task, and more responsibility than anyone else. The Bucks are not playing their best right now, so the door is open for the Celtics to get another victory. The Celtics have played stronger teams during this stretch, but the length of the Bucks will make it more difficult for them to get comfortable.

Horford is the key to getting where they need to be on both ends, and he needs to establish that while dealing with one of the most unstoppable forces in the NBA. You cannot understate the importance of Horford, and the young players stepping up will likely continue to get the attention.

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Nevertheless, this is Horford’s game, and even if he does not show up in the box score like most people want him to, there is no way they get a victory tonight without a stellar all around performance from the best remaining player currently active on the team.

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