Al Horford Thinks Celtics Need to Improve on Defense for Playoffs

The 5-time NBA All-Star finished in the Boston Celtics' top 3 for total blocks and rebounds this season.

Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports

The regular season concluded with the Boston Celtics rated as the second-best defense in the NBA. Al Horford, however, pinpointed defense as an area of improvement for the unit.

“Even though the numbers say we finished second, I actually do believe there is a lot of room for improvement for our group,” said Horford via CLNS Media. “I believe that we will do that. I’m excited. It’s a challenge for us, but we definitely want to be better defensively.”

Robert Williams III is recognized as a key contributor to the Celtics’ defense. This season, the 6-foot-9 center is Boston’s leader in blocks per game and offensive rebounds per game.

Horford discussed Williams' impact on the court.

“When Rob plays, when he’s a consistent threat at the rim, he takes our team to a whole new level. That last game he played against Toronto, I thought he was making an effort to have an impact. He has that capability and I’m excited to see him do that in the postseason.”

This is the second year in Williams’ career that he started more games than was utilized as a substitute. Despite this, Horford treats the 25-year-old like a veteran.

“Rob is really mature beyond his years. He’s the kind of guy that you don’t have to say much to him. When I do try to talk to him, I’m always encouraging him to be aggressive, to be himself. He can do so many things on the floor offensively and on the defensive end too. I’m just there to support him, have his back, and help our team win games.”

The big men will have an opportunity to improve their defense during the postseason. The Celtics will face either the Atlanta Hawks or Miami Heat in the first round of the playoffs. 

Further Reading

The Celtics Are Pushing Robert Williams to Take His Offense to the Next Level

Joe Mazzulla Provides Injury Updates on Jaylen Brown and Marcus Smart

Joe Mazzulla and Brad Stevens Discuss How the Celtics' Head Coach Has Grown in His First Year at the Helm: 'He's Been a Great Strength for Us'

Celtics Positioned for a Top Second-Round Pick

Ime Udoka Reportedly a Top Candidate for Multiple Head-Coaching Vacancies

Jayson Tatum is Ready for the Challenges that Await the Celtics in the Playoffs: 'We've Not Been Waiting for it But Working for it'

Jaylen Brown Shares What Winning the Red Auerbach Award Means to Him: 'I've Put My Everything Into This Team, I've Put My Everything Into This City'

Jaylen Brown on His Relationship with Jayson Tatum: 'We’re a Part of Each Other’s Destiny'