After strong encouragement from wife, Amelia, Al Horford with triple-double
In the 110-105 win over the Miami Heat last night, Al Horford was already in Playoff Al mode. In the fourth quarter, he was one assist shy of the triple-double, and Al's spouse, Amelia, was shooting him glances telling him to go for it. A pass to Jayson Tatum for a turnaround jumper at the 2:54 mark of the final quarter accomplished the goal.
Al Horford’s wife, Amelia, a big triple-double fan.
— Chris Forsberg (@ChrisForsberg_) April 2, 2019
“It's been a lot of games [of near misses] and I looked over at my wife and she was like, 'Better get it.' I needed one assist. She just kept looking at me and I was like, 'I got you, I got you.’"
Horford had six assists in the first quarter alone. He was literally chopping up Miami's 2/3 zone with his passing. He ended up with 19 points, 11 rebounds and 10 assists in a team-high 34 minutes - the second triple-double of his career and the first as a Celtic.
Al Horford's court vision 👍 pic.twitter.com/HHw6nC87c2
— Taylor Snow (@taylorcsnow) April 2, 2019
Most of us realize that Boston will have a tough challenge in the post-season, but life without Al for the playoffs might be a disaster for them. He looked spry and healthy last night, and the games where he has rested will pay dividends.
Celtics’ net rating in March with…
— Chris Forsberg (@ChrisForsberg_) April 1, 2019
Al Horford on court: +9.8
Al Horford off court: -11.6
Last year’s playoff numbers? Pretty similar.
Why the Celtics need a healthy Horford to have any chance in the postseason:https://t.co/MmQA2PBXcy
The numbers above clearly show Horford's value to his team. He defines the team concept. He simply has no significant weaknesses. And it seems Al's wife, Amelia, is part of that team. Here's what Al had to say about it.
Follow Tom at @CelticsSentinel and Facebook
Photo via Brian Babineau/NBAE via Getty Images
Video via BZ Highlights
