Al Horford is in the midst of a lengthy and successful NBA career. Selected third overall in the 2007 NBA Draft, Horford is less than a month away from turning 38 (June 3).
The five-time All-Star is in his 17th NBA season and still going strong. Horford has played in 1,078 regular season games (96th all-time) and 177 playoff games (19th all-time) in his career.
Horford’s career postseason outings will continue to rise after his Boston Celtics advanced to the Eastern Conference Finals on Wednesday. They eliminated the Cleveland Cavaliers in five games with their 113-98 win.
One look at the box score makes it fairly evident that Horford is still making a huge impact for the Celtics, even at his advanced age.
Celtics Receive Inspirational Play From 17-Year Veteran
Horford Inserted Into Starting Lineup Due to Injury
A calf injury has kept Kristaps Porzingis out of action in Boston’s last six playoff games. The six-foot-nine Horford has taken his place in the starting lineup alongside Jrue Holiday, Derrick White, Jaylen Brown, and Jayson Tatum.
Horford played 35 minutes in the Celtics’ series-clinching win. His final stat line consisted of 22 points, 15 rebounds, five assists, and three blocks. Horford shot 8-15 from the field and 6-13 from three-point territory. Boston was a +26 in his minutes (highest on the team).
Al Horford is the first player in NBA history with
20+ PTS
15+ REB
5+ 3P
3+ BLKin a playoff game (he’s the oldest player left in the playoffs). pic.twitter.com/QijuEWtiiQ
— StatMuse (@statmuse) May 16, 2024
It is unclear when Porzingis will return from his calf injury, but the hope is it will be at some point during the Eastern Conference Finals. Regardless of when he returns, Horford will undoubtedly play a huge role in attempting to get the Celtics into the NBA Finals, whether it’s in the starting lineup or as a reserve.
Horford has played in one NBA Finals during his career. That came in 2022 when his Celtics lost to the Golden State Warriors in six games. This will be Horford’s seventh trip to the Eastern Conference Finals (six times with Boston, once with the Atlanta Hawks).
Horford and Celtics Wait For Next Opponent
The Celtics have reached the Eastern Conference Finals for the sixth time in the last eight seasons. While they have remained one of the better teams in the league of late, the Celtics’ last NBA title came 16 years ago in 2008.
Horford and the Celtics won’t find out until Friday or Sunday who their opponent in the Eastern Conference Finals will be.
The New York Knicks own a 3-2 series lead over the Indiana Pacers in the Eastern Conference Semifinals. Game 6 will take place on Friday in Indiana. If necessary, Game 7 will be on Sunday in New York.
Horford will be important regardless of the opponent. He will be tasked with keeping the Knicks from garnering rebounds on the offensive end, which is something they do so well. If the Pacers advance, he’d need to extend his defense to the three-point line where center Myles Turner can feast.
