Celtics snap Cavs 15-0 win streak with the help of a certain “calming presence”

By Alexandria Evans 

Going into Tuesday’s Eastern Conference heavyweight matchup between Boston and
Cleveland, a battle of the team’s star players was expected. While that was certainly the case, a Celtics role player in the starting five helped take charge and deliver the Cavs their first loss of the season.

Veteran big man Al Horford showed up Tuesday when it mattered most, gifting the C’s a season-
high 20 points, with seven rebounds and three blocks. According to Celtics insider Taylor Snow,
the big man is the oldest player in NBA history to record 20 points, four threes, and three blocks.
Horford also went nearly perfect from beyond the arc, with 4-for-5 on three-point shooting. The 38-year-old is known for filling in when necessary for Boston, serving as a key role player
and a sneaky threat on both sides of the ball.

Head coach Joe Mazzulla praised Horford and his exceptional performance, stating “He’s just an innate competitor. I don’t think people realize that sometimes because of how quiet of a guy he is, but he’s an innate competitor and he has an ability to inspire people around us.”

Even Jayson Tatum, who led the charge in the team’s win with a near triple-double of 33 points,
12 rebounds, and seven assists, honed in on the importance of having someone like Horford on the court.

“He just does so many different things for us. Sometimes they show up in the stat sheet and
sometimes they don't,” Tatum stated, “But just him being on the court with us helps our spacing,
helps our defense. He's such a good passer, willing passer. We’re just a much better team when Al is out there and being aggressive.”

Boston will suit up for the group stage of the NBA Cup on Friday against the Washington
Wizards.