Al Horford proving his worth with brilliant postseason

Al Horford has been everything the Celtics cold ask for in the playoffs.

For the last two seasons, Boston Celtics fans have done their share of Al Horford bashing. I have certainly partaken in it, lobbing criticism at the big man after six-point, four-rebound performances and chiding the Boston brass for believing he deserved $113 million over four seasons.

However, Horford’s contributions in leading the Celtics back to the Eastern Conference Finals has put my complaining to rest. In 35.8 minutes per game in the postseason, he has put up 17 points, 8.7 rebounds, 3.3 assists and 1.3 blocks per game all while shooting 57.8 percent from the field.

Horford has shown up when Boston has needed his production the most. In the fourth quarter of Game 5 against the Philadelphia 76ers with the score teeter-tottering from side to side, Horford’s assistance was a constant. He plugged in six points, three rebounds, two assists and a pair of steals to help pace the Celtics to victory.

More from Hardwood Houdini

• Boston Celtics’ two-way contract decision will be made after training camp
• Proposed trade sends Boston Celtics playoff killer to the Cs from rival
• ‘Face of Germany’s stunning run’ in FIBA World Cup not the only ex-Boston Celtics player to win gold
• Proposed Boston Celtics trade target pitched for reunion with fired coach
• Battle For Banner 18: Will Boston Celtics battle historical foe in 2024 Finals?

He did not shy away from the spotlight. With Boston up by two points with six minutes left, Horford was guarded by Dario Saric on the left block and went to work. He reached into his bag of YMCA league moves, faced up on the Croatian big man and punched in a mini jumper off the glass to double the lead.

Horford’s willingness to take control of the offense has been on display throughout these playoffs, something we have not seen from him until now. He is unveiling his ability to swallow a defense and take advantage of one-on-one opportunities, a major boost to the Celtics in the absence of do-it-all scorers Gordon Hayward and Kyrie Irving.

With the Celtics trailing by four with 90 seconds remaining, Horford freed up Jayson Tatum with a screen before catching a lob pass from the rookie to cut the lead in half. Horford played with such composure in the final minutes of Game 5, anchoring his squad with his level-headedness.

The 15 points and eight rebounds the two-time NCAA champion recorded in Game 7 was par for the course for a player the Celtics have been able to count on to deliver in big spots all postseason.

Horford dominated in Game 7 of the first round against the Milwaukee Bucks, running circles around Joe Prunty’s shell defense to the tune of 26 points and eight rebounds in 33 minutes. In a critical Game 5 at TD Garden four nights earlier, Horford was the stabilizing force for the C’s, compiling 22 points in addition to a whopping 14 boards.

He then proceeded to place his fingerprints all over Philadelphia. With Game 1 on their home floor, the Celtics needed to make a statement that the Las Vegas bookmakers were mistaken in favoring the upstart 76ers so heavily. Horford voice rang loud, as he cloaked the Process with 26 points and seven boards.

In a Game 3 the Celtics were not supposed to win, Horford made both the go-ahead layup underneath the hoop over a leaping Robert Covington before sealing the game on the other end with a steal.

Next: Boston Celtics top five players against 76ers

It’s been Horford’s presence on both ends of the floor that has the Celtics where they are now, awaiting LeBron James & Co. for Game 1 of the conference finals on the parquet.