3 unsung heroes for the Boston Celtics these playoffs
The Boston Celtics are 5-1 through their first six playoff games and many fans are quick to credit Jayson Tatum, Jaylen Brown, or even the stellar two-way impact of this year’s Defensive Player of the Year in Marcus Smart as the sole reasons.
However, there are some under-the-radar X-factors for this C’s team that are going unnoticed by the public eyes. Guys who were largely question marks coming into the postseason despite being consistently solid contributors during the year.
This piece will shine a light on three players in particular who I feel have not had enough praise for their hand on a positive stretch of outings for the Celtics.
A team is nothing without the sum of its parts and as a collective, it’s been a display of brilliance on the floor for the shamrocks.
One player has been the perfect leader on and off the court whilst raising his level of performance each playoff run with the Celtics. Another player has redefined his game and is one of the most versatile weapons for this contender and it will result in a much-deserved payday. A third guard has bounced back in a big way this season, transforming himself into a microwave-level sparkplug off the bench.
This triage of players were all among the likely candidates to up their games come the playoffs, but not many expected the stars to align as pristinely as they have so far. With this supporting cast surrounding the Jays, this Boston team could be well en route to the elusive Banner 18.
Boston Celtics player No.1) Al Horford
Al Horford is here in Boston once again folks, and this is nothing new to Celtics faithful who have seen this consistently throughout his two tenures in Beantown. The big man simply takes his overall game to a whole new level when the lights are shining the brightest.
In six games of these 2022 NBA playoffs, Horford is averaging 13.9 points, 9.6 rebounds, 2.7 assists, 1.1 block, and 1.1 steals per game on 52 percent shooting overall, a scorching 50 percent shooting from deep, and a stout 83 percent from the foul line.
These numbers are nearly up all across the board and his impact has been anything from average. One of the most consistent performers for the green team in the playoffs.
The 14-year vet at age 35 looks spry as ever, showcasing amazing agility and versatility on each side of the floor.
When he came to Boston people questioned if Al still had it, I counter-argued that he never lost it! It’s all about being in the right system and being in a culture where his voice is heard in the locker room and on the court.
Horford has been such a positive influence on the team by being a mentor, friend, and teammate. Off the court, he has our guys playing competitive UNO for no money at all.
What a healthy way to bond and increase team camaraderie.
Some of his biggest highlights of the first two rounds have been his dominant Game One performance vs the Nets where he scored 20 points and grabbed 15 boards in what was a monster outing for the vet.
The other is his incredible individual defense on Giannis Antetokounmpo, in two games he has held the Greek Freak to just 27 percent shooting on 6-for-22 shots. One of the top stoppers against the best player in the world.
Also, 48 percent shooting from deep on nearly five attempts a game is sensational for a big man.
It’s definitely bringing 2016-17 vibes of peak playoff AL.