Boston Celtics: 5 reasons why they will make a run to the NBA Finals

Al Horford’s leadership 

On paper, Al Horford had a pretty average season with numbers of 13.6 points, 6.7 rebounds, and 4.2 assists per night on slashes of 53.5/36/82 in 68 games. Many were quick to criticize the 32-year-old on his playing during the early months of the season as well.

But one thing about Horford is that he’s only had a few seasons that really stand-out on paper. He’s not much of a numbers guy either, and that’s what makes him different.

What separates the two-time NCAA champ from everyone else in the Celtics’ locker room is that he’s the leader. He’s the best passer, has the highest offensive and defensive IQ of anyone in green, and he’s disciplined.

Moreover, after averaging less than seven rebounds a game, Horford proceeded to make Thaddeus Young and Myles Turner work for every missed shot that came their way, not giving up on any play. He averaged 9.7 boards in the sweep, and whether you want to admit it or not, the guy isn’t soft.

He recorded double-doubles in both the series opener and the series-clinching fourth game, which is exactly what you’d want to ask of a vet matched up against a 7-foot Myles Turner who was a force to reckoned with this season inside.

He drew foul after foul and played phenomenal defense for 16 quarters in a row, and affected shots both inside and out of the lane, and it doesn’t look like the Celtics best regular season passer lost his touch either.

With all of that said, Giannis Antetokounmpo will try to figure out Horford, which won’t be hard for him. Al Horford, like the rest of the league, will do his best to guard the Greek Freak.