Horford, Sixers have more than a healthy respect for Boston Celtics

Al Horford and the 76ers have plenty of respect for their first-round opponents in the 2020 NBA Playoffs.

You can almost hear the pride in his voice.

“He’s taken a huge leap with his game from where he was two years ago, even last year, to now,” said now-Philadelphia 76ers Al Horford of his former teammate, All-Star swingman Jayson Tatum.

Speaking postgame, the former Celtic big man had nothing but praise for his former teammate, who has taken the sort of leap in his third season in the league players rarely make in any season of their career.

“He’s in talks with the best guys in the league right now. It’s been impressive to see his growth and how he continued to just get better. He’s going to be a super tough cover for us and we’re going to have to find ways to contain him. He’s been growing quickly.”

“I haven’t many young guys grow as quickly as he has,” added the University of Florida product.

Sixers head coach Brett Brown holds Boston in high regard as well, and expects a tough matchup when the two teams collide in the first round of the playoffs.

“Firepower. [The Celtics] have so much firepower,” said Brown.

“They really can score. They have four players that can get 30 on a given night. They play well together and Brad (Stevens) does a great job. I feel like their ability to put points on the board, their ability to make threes, their ability to create their own shots is just lethal.”

“Our ability to defend those things will ultimately tell the story,” noted the Sixers coach.

And while the Celtics are rightfully considered the favorites in the absence of Ben Simmons (out with a knee injury, likely for the rest of the season), it won’t necessarily be the cakewalk some envision.

But whether Horford and center Joel Embiid can punish the Celtics enough on offense — and find their footing defensively on the other end of the ball — will make all the difference in the world if the Celtics’ Atlantic Division rivals will have a chance at pulling off the upset.

[lawrence-related id=40781,40765,40761,40729]