One at a time: 3 keys for the Boston Celtics as they look to make history

Al Horford must be a threat from both inside and outside the arc

For the first time since Game 4 against the Philadelphia 76ers, Al Horford connected on three or more shots from behind the arc. Right out of the gate in the second quarter of Game 4 in south beach, the former Florida big man knocked down two consecutive threes. With Miami attempting to pull away before halftime following a Bam Adebayo dunk, Horford’s revival was essential.

Before Tuesday night, Horford was 3/13 from beyond the arc, but in the game where his team needed it the most, the veteran found his shooting stroke. A lot of the success during the 2022 postseason run for Boston was because Horford was not only a constant contributor on the defensive end, but his offense delivered time and time again. He finished ninth in the 2022 NBA playoffs in total 3-pointers made, shooting 48%. His struggles have been well-documented in the 2023 Eastern Conference Finals, but to see him watch the ball fall through the net bodes well as the series heads back to Boston for Game 5.

Not only is it just about his ability to punish the Heat for giving him space on the perimeter, but Horford also needs to notice when he has a mismatch on the inside. Miami does not have an intimidating presence inside like the 76ers, which should create an opening in the paint for No. 42 to flex his muscles. Over 67% of Horford’s points this postseason have come from outside the arc, but his hook shot with under 5:00 left to play in the third quarter on Tuesday against Cody Zeller should be there every time. Even if Miami opts to send help with the 36-year-old posting up on the block, it allows him to utilize his elite passing to find an open shooter.

Boston has gone 4-6 when Horford shoots under 50% from the field in the playoffs this season. If he is able to find his offense not only from beyond the arc but from inside the paint, the Heat are going to struggle mightily to contain the green and white’s offense as a whole.