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Boston Celtics continue to get clutch moments from grudge Al Horford

By Alan Nahigian

PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA - MAY 05: Al Horford #42 and Jaylen Brown #7 of the Boston Celtics talk against the Philadelphia 76ers during the second quarter in game three of the Eastern Conference Second Round Playoffs at Wells Fargo Center on May 05, 2023 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. 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 Tim Nwachukwu/Getty Images)
PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA - MAY 05: Al Horford #42 and Jaylen Brown #7 of the Boston Celtics talk against the Philadelphia 76ers during the second quarter in game three of the Eastern Conference Second Round Playoffs at Wells Fargo Center on May 05, 2023 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. 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 Tim Nwachukwu/Getty Images) /
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It’s funny. Athletes sometimes get their motivation to play a game in the strangest of ways. Boston Celtics players are no different and have their ways.

From a pep talk, to an opposing player talking trash, or even a pre/postgame routine; motivation comes from the most unlikely of places.

That seems to be the case for the Celtics. Specifically talking about Al Horford.

We all know how vital Al Horford is to this team in so many different ways. His outside shooting, his rebounding, and his veteran leadership are all crucial toward the Celtics goal of finishing the job.

But when Al gets fired up and angry, he seems to contribute at an even higher level. Get to somewhere that we haven’t seen him before.

For this playoff run that the Celtics are on, they’ll need to continue to get all of the clutch moments from Al Horford.

Boston Celtics getting an Al Horford that was surprised by a reporter’s laugh

Before their Game 3 win against the Philadelphia 76ers Friday night, the former Florida big man was asked about his recent shooting slump. Horford mentioned how he was an elite shooter and a Philly report laughed at the comment. Al didn’t take that too kindly.

Now obviously, Al Horford handled this the only way he knew how: with grace and class. But you could tell that there was an element of being taken aback in his voice.

That was all that Al would need as he scored 17 points in the Celtics game three victory. Horford was 6-8 from the field, including 5-7 from three-point range and a sweet turnaround mid-range jumper over current MVP Joel Embiid.

That was all the 36 year old Horford needed to get him going. Of course, we’ve seen this from the likes of “Big Al” before.

Boston Celtics seeing this from Al Horford last season

We all remember game four of the Eastern Conference semifinals last season against the Milwaukee Bucks. That was a “turn the clock back” game for the Celtics forward.

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But how did it all start? It started with an interaction from one Giannis Antetokounmpo.

We’ve seen it on Twitter and around social media. Horford continuously nodding his head and mouthing “okay” to Giannis several times. After that? The Celtics big man ended that game with 30 points on 11-14 shooting, including 5-7 from three.

Again, this is just what Al does. Finds his motivation and makes other opposing teams pay the price.

The bottom line with the Boston Celtics and grudge Al Horford

It was nice to see that Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown get help in game three from the longtime veteran Horford.

Next. Celtics make a statement in game 2 vs. 76ers. dark

If this type of stuff happening is going to continue to produce these types of games from Al Horford, keep it coming!

If the Celtics want to complete the mission of an NBA title, get as much out of the elite shooting big man as you can. He brings so much to the table, has done the right things throughout his entire NBA career, and deserves to be a champion.

Give me more grudge Al! Maybe Embiid can say how he thought Horford was a bad teammate next? #UnFinishedBusiness

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