{"id":128392,"date":"2025-03-13T10:12:36","date_gmt":"2025-03-13T14:12:36","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/?p=128392"},"modified":"2025-03-13T10:15:44","modified_gmt":"2025-03-13T14:15:44","slug":"al-horford-father-time","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/2025\/03\/13\/al-horford-father-time\/","title":{"rendered":"Al Horford is Defying Father Time and Elevating the Celtics\u00a0"},"content":{"rendered":"

Al Horford<\/a> has been a key part of Boston’s success throughout his Celtics tenure. The 38-year-old big man’s longevity is impressive and under-discussed. Horford is the prototypical all-around center, which has allowed him to age gracefully. Over his last four games, Horford has been particularly impressive. Let’s dive into Horford’s recent stretch and his overall impact on the Celtics.<\/p>\n

Al Horford is Defying Father Time and Elevating the Celtics<\/h2>\n

Horford’s Stellar Recent Stretch<\/h3>\n

Horford is especially valuable to the Celtics due to Kristaps Porzi\u0146\u0123is<\/a>‘ injury history. When fully healthy, they are also an ideal fit in double-big lineups. This season, Horford has started 35 out of 51 games, often starting in place of Porzi\u0146\u0123is, who has played in 32 total games. Porzi\u0146\u0123is has been sidelined with a mysterious viral illness for nearly two weeks. With Porzi\u0146\u0123is out<\/a>, Horford has stepped up massively. Over his last four games specifically, Horford<\/a> is averaging 15.8 points, 9 rebounds, and 3.5 assists on 50\/40\/90 shooting splits.<\/p>\n

This has included games against some of the NBA’s best, including the Oklahoma City, Denver Nuggets, and Los Angeles Lakers. Against the Nuggets, Horford was especially impactful he poured in 19 points, grabbed eight rebounds, and recorded three steals, he was also central in containing Nikola Joki\u0107<\/a>. In the Lakers game, Luka Don\u010di\u0107<\/a> and LeBron James<\/a> relentlessly attacked Horford. However, he held up exceptionally well posting a 33.3 defensive field goal percentage<\/a> on the night, showcasing his defensive versatility and prowess. Overall, Horford contributed 14 points, nine rebounds, four assists, three steals and a block. During the Thunder game, Horford was one of the bright spots in an unfortunate loss. He racked up 18 points (six threes), 10 rebounds, six assists, two blocks, and a steal.<\/p>\n