Al Horford continues to build his case for the Hall of Fame, as the Boston Celtics veteran locked down the LeBron James-Luka Dončić duo in a 111-101 win over the Los Angeles Lakers.
Playing his second-highest minutes of the season, the 38-year-old defied expectations with his energy and impact. He stepped up when his team needed him most on leading an elite defensive effort against James, Dončić, and Austin Reaves, holding them to just 0.39 points per direct play.
Al Horford Reveals the Secret Behind Season-Best Performance
Despite being hounded by the Lakers all night, Horford still posted 14 points, nine rebounds, and four assists. But it was his defense that stole the spotlight, as the Lakers shot just 7-for-23 against him, with Dončić and James combining to go 3-for-14.
“You kind of have to prove yourself out there,” Horford said postgame. “And I don’t mind doing that.”
“I think it probably has to do with the importance of the team and understanding that this is when the team needs me the most, and for me, it’s just trying to find a way to have an impact in that.”
“These types of games always come down to those little details — defending and rebounding — and that’s right up my alley. That’s what I [like] to do. I was excited to be in this position, and that’s my mindset in these games. It’s always been about playing winning basketball. That’s what I want to do.”
Asked Al Horford why his best games keep coinciding with top opponents:
“These type of games always come down to those little details — defending and rebounding, and that's right up my alley. That's what I enjoy to do… that’s my mindset in these games — play winning… pic.twitter.com/Hl6blUs6tA
— Noa Dalzell 🏀 (@NoaDalzell) March 9, 2025
Horford’s performance drew high praise from teammates and Head Coach Joe Mazzulla.
“At one point,” Mazzulla said, “I wasn’t coaching. I was just watching him. I was like, ‘Man, this guy’s a future Hall of Famer, and I get to watch this for free.’ You have to be able to have that perspective … It’s my way of saying that you better win. And I like watching them play.”
Jayson Tatum, who led the Celtics with 40 points, 12 rebounds, and eight assists, made it clear how much he values Horford.
“He’s one of one,” Tatum said. “I’m the biggest Al Horford fan there is. I love that guy.”
Jaylen Brown, who added 31 points, six rebounds, and two assists, echoed the sentiment:
“Al is just old reliable. He’s just the ultimate connector for us on both ends.”
Horford, Celtics Stay Hot With Playoff Push in Sight
Horford is averaging 8.2 points, 5.7 rebounds, and 1.9 assists per game this season while helping lead Boston to 14 wins in its last 17 games.
The Celtics sit at second in the Eastern Conference with a 46-18 record and are looking ahead to another potential NBA Finals preview when they host the Oklahoma City Thunder at TD Garden on Wednesday, March 12.