For the first few minutes of Thursday’s match-up between the Celtics and the Suns, it used to be a Kevin Durant — Al Horford showdown. Just like we all expected?
Facing off for the 26th time of their professional careers, the #2 and #3 preferences from the 2007 NBA Draft, respectively, every scored 8 points in the first six minutes. Horford hit a patented three out the gate, and Durant sunk a slew of mid-ranges, simply as he has for the last 17 years in the league.
But, for just the 2nd time ever, in the Celtics’ 127-112 win in opposition to the Suns, Horford outscored the former MVP, putting up a season-high 24 points. Durant completed with 19 points, and scored just 5 points in the ultimate three quarters.
Horford hit six threes on the night time – tied for the most-ever in his profession – and also finished with three assists, three rebounds, and 3 steals. He’s now shooting 40.9% from three on the year, following up a 44.6% three-point common final season.
It used to be yet another overall performance that had followers scratching their heads, wondering how a nearly 38-year-old center, who’s logged nearly 40,000 NBA minutes, can still operate at such a excessive level.
Though Horford has moved to the bench this season, he’s nevertheless earned 26 starts offevolved so far this year, usually filling in for Kristaps Porzingis, who has overlooked 20 video games due to a myriad of injuries.
A large Al Horford night time is regularly an indication of accurate ball motion and a healthful offense — Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown draw so lots attention, fall down the defense, and eventually locate their veteran sharpshooter at the right time. Against the Suns, the Celtics finished with 31 assists, all while Jaylen Brown exploded for 37 factors and Jayson Tatum for 26.
“Teams are going to take away your first option,” Horford instructed CLNS Media after the game. “We are doing a better job searching at second, third, even fourth selections into the offense. That just indicates the growth of our group.”
It wasn’t simply the offensive explosion that stood out; Horford was additionally notable defensively in opposition to the Suns. He contested 12 shots – five extra than any other participant on the courtroom – and deflected four passes (for context, the Suns as a team together deflected only 6 passes).
