Eric Canha-USA TODAY Sports
Joe Mazzulla Credited Al Horford After Celtics’ Second Win Over Cavaliers
The Boston Celtics completed their two-game sweep of the Cleveland Cavaliers in their 116-107 win. The Celtics had the lead for most of the game in the opposite of Tuesday night's win, thanks to more Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown 20-plus point outbursts. Kristaps Porzingis contributed 18 as well.
The unsung hero of the night was once again Al Horford, who did a good job keeping the Cavs off the glass getting 10 rebounds again.
Celtics' head coach Joe Mazzulla talked about how important Horford has been to the team, as he usually is.
"Success is different for each guy and every night," Mazzulla said. "And for Al (Horford), tonight he got one rebound that I have no idea how he got; it was over like three or four people, and he gave a passionate fist-pump on the way out; it's like that type of competitive desire that he brings regardless of his role."
Mazzulla continued to acknowledge how huge his presence is all-around for the Celtics.
"And then in situation if he goes eight, 10, 12 minutes without touching the ball, and he just plays," he said. "So, his competitive desire, and his willingness to be a great teammate is massive for us. As a player he's just really good. Like, it was in the last minute of the game, JB finds him corner three. He's in the right spot every on both ends of the floor literally every single possession."
Horford making the move to the bench this season after their roster change was crucial. As the sixth man, he balances out the rotation, also allowing more potential to rest him until he is needed the most in the second half of the season. Even in the unusual role, he has only continued to do what he does as the heart of the team and help them win.
"I don't know how many games he started, but with KP's injury, I feel like he started a few games as well, so I just like how you just know what you're getting every single night," Mazzulla said. "Regardless of whether he's coming off the bench or if he's starting, you know exactly what you're getting."
Mazzulla described how he has continued to be be great and timeless for Boston.
"He takes being coached, and I think he reinvented himself with his corner-crashing; his screening has gotten better, especially versing different coverages. Especially in the last five games, something that he's really worked on, so just really, to me it's regardless of the role that he's in, you know exactly what you're getting every day, and our whole team gives us that. And it's something that's important."
He knows how much Horford lays a foundation and impacts the rest of the team.
"It's an unspoken professionalism that anybody can get better," Mazzulla said. "He got better in drills, working on the small details every time; he wants to get better. That kind of stuff, the ability to coach, and the ability to execute and push the guys."
The Celtics begin another two-game set with the Orlando Magic Friday night in Boston.
