Bob DeChiara-USA TODAY Sports
Celtics Praise Al Horford After Season-High vs. Suns
The Boston Celtics defeated the Phoenix Suns for the second time in less than a week to give themselves a four-game win streak, 127-112.
Boston had at least three players with 24 or more and four starters in double digits, along with Jrue Holiday's nine points and 10 assists. Jaylen Brown had another ascending evening with 37 points on 5-9 from three.
The player of the game for the Celtics was likely Al Horford, who was spectacular, with Kristaps Porzingis missing his fourth consecutive game. Horford set the tone on offense with 24 points, shooting 8-14 from the field and 6-10 from distance. It was a season-high and the most points the 37-year-old had recorded in a regular season game since 2019. He became the oldest center in NBA history to make five or more threes and have three or more steals, per StatMuse.
Jayson Tatum had 26 points, five rebounds, and five assists of his own, making four threes. He talked about Horford's night, giving further insight into the significance of his presence for Tatum and the Celtics.
"We have so much love and respect for Al and everything he's accomplished in this league," Tatum said. "His presence on and off the court. His voice. The way that he goes about his job every single day."
Tatum referred to Horford as "the ultimate teammate and somebody we're really lucky to have," as the MVP candidate always describes Horford as the best teammate he has ever had.
