Celtics’ ‘Innate Competitor’ Was Difference Maker In Defeating Cavs

BOSTON — The Celtics did what no other team, so far, has been able to accomplish on Tuesday night but it wasn’t possible without Al Horford.

Horford, at 38 years old, restricted from playing in back-to-backs, challenged Father Time once the Cavaliers stepped foot in Boston. With a 15-0 start to the season, Cleveland had all the reason to be confident but what hung dozens of feet above the parquet — Banner 18 — was a reminder of who the real team to beat was. And Horford took it upon himself to relay that message during the team’s 120-117 NBA Cup win.

“He’s just an innate competitor,” Celtics head coach Joe Mazzulla said postgame. “I don’t think people realize that sometimes because of how quiet of a guy he is. He’s basically an innate competitor and he has an ability to inspire people around us. And he did that (in the playoffs) last year against them. So there’s moments of the season that he’s a great leader, but sometimes his actions are so loud, and his competitiveness is so loud, and I think tonight was one of those nights.”

Boston got 32 minutes out of Horford as the 18-year veteran contributed with 20 points on 7-of-11 shooting, grabbing seven rebounds and logging a game-high three blocks. Horford provided a little bit of everything, knocking down four 3-pointers and helping the team stay poised despite allowing a 21-point lead to shrink after the Celtics got outscored 40-28 in the third quarter. Horford’s lead-by-example demeanor, like the five-time All-Star’s ability to make a difference, still hasn’t worn off.

It’s continued to re-appear, allowing Boston to make due amid the absence of starting center Kristaps Porzingis — over and over again.

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

The Celtics bounced back in the fourth quarter amid a playoff-like back-and-forth with the Cavaliers, escaping unscathed. Horford added the victorious finishing touch with a lead-extending dunk that left eight seconds on the clock for Cleveland and allowed Boston to trot its way to a third straight win.

“It doesn’t surprise me (seeing Horford perform as such) because of his elite approach to every day,” Cavaliers head coach Kenny Atkinson, who coached Horford eight years ago with the Atlanta Hawks, said, per team-provided video. “I was around it. I saw it every day. He’s probably tops I’ve seen in terms of taking care of his body. Everything off the court — work ethic, hunger to improve yourself. All the stuff that goes into longevity.”