The oldest player remaining in the 2024 NBA Playoffs was the best player on the floor Wednesday night at TD Garden.
Al Horford had a great performance in Game 5 of the Eastern Conference semifinals, leading the Boston Celtics to a 113-98 victory over the Cleveland Cavaliers, winning the series 4-1 and ending the Eastern Conference for the sixth time last season. Made it to the conference finals. 8 years.
The 37-year-old finished with 22 points on 8-of-15 shooting (6-of-13 3-pointers), 15 rebounds (7 offensive), 5 assists, 1 steal, and 3 blocks.
Horford is Boston's first player, according to NBC Sports Boston statistician Dick Ripe. NBA history Record at least 10 rebounds, 5 3-pointers, 5 assists, and 3 blocks in a playoff game.
Additionally, Horford is the second oldest player in NBA history to record at least 20 points, 10 rebounds and five assists in a playoff game, trailing only Hall of Famer Kareem Abdul-Jabbar.
It's a remarkable feat for the 17-year veteran, who turns 38 on June 3. The Cavs had Horford shooting early Wednesday night, but after making just 3 of 8 3-pointers in the first half, the big man went 3 of 5 from beyond the arc in the second half. I decided on the book and ended the night with a dagger at the last moment.
The Celtics needed frontcourt reinforcements Wednesday after Kristaps Porzingis was out with a calf injury and the offense looked lethargic in the first half.
One Boston elder statesman rose to the challenge, and several others have since.
“You saw his talent tonight,” Celtics head coach Joe Mazzula said of Horford after the win. “His talent is passion, inspiration, toughness, competitive spirit. That's who Al is.” Ta.
“I thought he was a great guy. He started it for us and all of our players responded to it. It was an honor to coach him.”
