3 takeaways from the Boston Celtics Game 2 win over the Brooklyn Nets

BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS - APRIL 20: Jayson Tatum #0 of the Boston Celtics celebrates after hitting a three point shot against the Brooklyn Nets during the fourth quarter of Game Two of the Eastern Conference First Round NBA Playoffs at TD Garden on April 20, 2022 in Boston, Massachusetts. The Celtics defeat the Nets 114-107. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images) /

3 of 4

Al Horford has been a difference-maker for the Boston Celtics. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports /

Takeaway No. 2: Al Horford is the unsung hero of the Boston Celtics

Al Horford. Big Al. 35 years young.

Al Horford has got what it takes to be an impact player (but we all know that). If you look at the box score, the veteran leader had a pretty good game with 16 points on 60% shooting, six rebounds, and two assists.

What the stat sheet doesn’t show you though, are the hustle stats.

All game long, the 35-year-old was diving around, throwing his body around for the good of the team to make those hustle plays that Marcus Smart is known for. The best part, though, is that not only was he giving it his absolute all for this team, but he wasn’t taking shots where I would wince in fear that it wasn’t going in.

Horford was taking good, quality shots and he even managed to shoot 50% from the 3-point line, including two huge ones on the third quarter that helped Boston climb back into the game and eventually, claim the lead.

All season long, the veteran center has been making plays like this though, and it makes it really hard to not like this guy. I’m not saying that Marcus Smart is rubbing off on him, but whenever I saw Big Al dive for a ball on the ground, I couldn’t help but smile and think of the Defensive player of the Year making those same plays.

Home/Celtics News