Four Leaf Clover: Boston Celtics trounce Cavs in Game 1

Al Horford is a superstar

Normally, an NBA superstar is associated with a certain flashy play. Steph Curry has his stepback three. Russell Westbrook has his transition, high-energy flush. James Harden has his gather step (travel) jumper. LeBron will even break out the tomahawk jam once in a while.

But Al Horford? What’s his signature move? Can you even call him a superstar?

Horford’s move is something we can’t quite see. He is the guy that’s always in the right defensive position. Horford leads young players better than anyone else in the league. He stays calm under pressure. No one knows their capability as a great basketball player quite like Al Horford.

In the typical sense, he not a superstar. He’ll dunk when the situation requires it. He’ll send a shot into the second row if he must. But when it comes down to it, Horford is just as valuable as many superstars in the NBA today. There are only handful of guys that would influence a playoff game more than Al.

In the past, LeBron has killed Horford in the playoffs. Tonight marked just his second win against the King in the playoffs. But like typical Al, the consistency of playing your game and continuing to fight is starting to pay off. For the first time in his career, Horford is playing like a superstar.

It couldn’t come at a better time for the Boston Celtics. Like many others, his play has carried them to this point and needs to continue to carry the Celtics even farther. Luckily, I wouldn’t want to count on anyone else.