Chowder and Champions
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Boston Celtics: 4 takeaways from heart pounding Game 3 thriller

By Dylan Woods

PHILADELPHIA, PA - MAY 5: Jayson Tatum #0 of the Boston Celtics hugs Al Horford #42 after Game Three of the Eastern Conference Second Round of the 2018 NBA Playoff against the Philadelphia 76ers at Wells Fargo Center on May 5, 2018 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The Celtics defeated the 76ers 101-98. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images)
PHILADELPHIA, PA - MAY 5: Jayson Tatum #0 of the Boston Celtics hugs Al Horford #42 after Game Three of the Eastern Conference Second Round of the 2018 NBA Playoff against the Philadelphia 76ers at Wells Fargo Center on May 5, 2018 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The Celtics defeated the 76ers 101-98. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images) /
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(Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images)
(Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images) /

Al Horford on another level

We might have just witnessed the best game of Al Horford‘s Boston Celtics career. If not the best game, at least the best two minutes.

All night, Horford took on a tough matchup in guarding Embiid. He shut him down in Game 3. Sure, the big man had his monster dunks and highlight plays, but in the grand scheme of things, the Celtics did not allow him to take over.

Related Story: Al Horford delivers max worthy playoff performance

Along with Aron Baynes, Horford allowed Boston to be comfortable with a one-on-one matchup against Embiid in the post. He had 22 points, but on 10-26 shooting including two sent back by Big Al. Embiid shot just three free throws, a crazy number based on how many touches he got. And no, it wasn’t because of the refs. A silent defensive killer in Horford had his number when it mattered the most.

Even if Horford had only contributed by guarding Embiid in the post, it would have been enough. Yet, “Playoff Al” also came up with the biggest offensive and defensive plays of the night to go along with the stellar defense.

On back-to-back possessions, Horford made the game-winning shot and the game-clinching steal. For any still doubting him, what more could you want from the team’s most consistent player and leader? He put the team up 2 with a difficult layup (which should have been an and-one) then stepped in front of a Ben Simmons inbounds pass in the biggest moment of the game.

I’m starting to think Horford is important to the team. Maybe he doesn’t need to score thirty a night to help win games. Call me crazy, but I think being the best player on the floor down the stretch in the second round of the playoffs earns you a max contract.

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