NBA Eastern Conference Finals 2016/17, Cleveland Cavaliers vs Boston Celtics: 5 takeaways from Game 1

#2 Al Horford’s dismal night

Al Horford had a night to forget

Al Horford has been spectacular these past couple of games. In 2017, he has a Playoff True Shooting percentage of 73.6%, the best ever shooting season in NBA history by anyone with more than 75 shots.

He ranks 3rd in NBA win shares, beaten only by LeBron James and Kawhi Leonard. He elevated his game even further against the Wizards, shooting 63.6% from deep and 95% at the rim. So what happened today against Cleveland?

In 37 minutes played against the Cavaliers, Horford put up only 11 points on 36.4% shooting, making just one 3-Pointer, turning the ball over thrice while posting a -13 rating. This doesn’t bode well for Al, who has lost 13 straight against LeBron and the Cavaliers and will probably pile on that number when everything’s said and done.

The Celtics picked Horford up in free agency, a 4 year, $113 million contract because of his ability to operate both in small ball and when Boston played their big men. The Cavaliers are simply too deep and too talented for Horford to disappear on the big stage and the Celtics will need him to bring his A-Game, offensively and defensively, heading into Game 2 if Boston wants to take a game from Cleveland.