3 reasons why the Boston Celtics missed Al Horford during west coast trip
By Sam LaFrance
A lack in defensive versatility for the Boston Celtics
Al Horford has always been someone who has been a defensive presence all over the floor for the Boston Celtics. He grants the team the ability to be more flexible when guarding as a unit. For example, Big Al is someone that the Cs can rely on to switch onto a guard when the initial defender gets screened. This is something that might seem obvious or that fans might take for granted, but it’s super valuable. Just look at how poorly things went for Boston on Saturday night at Chase Center.
The Celtics had no answer for Golden State’s sharpshooting offense because every time a defender got screened the team was playing drop coverage. They had to play this type of defense because Blake Griffin, despite how hard he’s played this season, cannot stick with a player like Steph Curry on the perimeter. It’s just not a realistic expectation. The thing that makes Horford great is that he can do that, and can do it pretty well.
On top of the versatility he brings to the team, Big Al is also a great last line of defense when opposing teams drive to the cup. Without Robert Williams III this season, he’s served as Boston’s main rim protector. Horford only averages a block per game, but he’s helped the Celtics be in the top half of the league in terms of points allowed in the paint.