The Boston Celtics have been good this season. That might be an understatement. The Celtics have been great this season. Jayson Tatum has been putting up MVP numbers, Jaylen Brown has been top twelve at the very least, and all of the bench players have found their role and rhythm within the squad. But one veteran is showing that age is simply a number on the court: Al Horford.

Despite playing in Atlanta for nearly a decade, Horford found a home in Boston for three years before chasing the bag to Philadelphia. This season, Horford has comfortably slid into the starting center role for Boston, a position he’s shown to dominate in. In fact, Horford has started all 333 games (as of today) he’s played for Boston.

“I want Iguodala Horford”

Horford has been extremely reliable for the Celtics giving them 10 points per game. Along with his scoring, he pulls down just over six rebounds and dishes three assists per game. As mentioned in a previous article, Horford’s shooting percentages have been at a career-high too. Horford’s 45% from 3-point range, the second best in the league behind Luke Kennard.

Out of the 56 games Horford has played this season, he’s only shot goose eggs from 3-point four times. He’s collected three games where he scored six 3-pointers and five where he’s scored five or more.

It wasn’t until Horford’s last season in Atlanta he started shooting 3-pointers more regularly. Since that season, he’s shot .375 from downtown. He’s also a big-time player when it matters most, knocking down eight 3s in the clutch this season.

Boston’s Stacked Lineup

Boston is lucky to have such a nice one-two punch in the paint. That is, Robert Williams and Horford. While the attention typically falls on the young center from Texas A&M, Horford’s impact is overlooked.

Of course, Williams is significant to the Celtics, making All-Defense 2nd Team last season. He is also known for his “time manipulation” to make incredible blocks. While Horford doesn’t possess the youth or pure athleticism his teammate does, he is able to do all the same with little recognition.

Outside of the center position, Horford is a part of a stacked lineup that includes Tatum, Brown, Smart, Brogdon, and White. With such an overflowing pool of talent, it is clear knowledge of how Horford can succeed in such a group.

Maybe Age Is Still A Number

Despite Horford continually proving his eternal youth in the games he plays, fans mustn’t forget he’s 36 years old. With age comes the need for more rest, despite what LeBron James’ might think.

After a deep playoff run last season, the Celtics have rested Horford on back-to-backs. With the Finals in their sights once again, the long season will start to take a toll on the Celtics’ older players.

Despite shooting better from the field and from 3, Horford’s main statistics have all declined from the previous season. Some may call it fatigue, some may call it age.

How Horford has adapted to aging has been incredible to watch. He’s developed a legit 3-point shot and focuses on what he does best, defense in the paint and shooting. He has only shot one 2-point shot in the clutch this season.

The Celtics face the Sacramento Kings on Tuesday, March 21. Can Horford once again show the evolution of his game and come out of California with a win?

If you enjoyed this article, check out other NBA articles or check out the main page where you can find articles from just about every sport and esport. If you want to see more Celtics content, check out more articles by Nate!

(Featured photo courtesy of Boston Globe/Getty Images)

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