Defense was the Boston Celtics’ Achilles’ heel against the Philadelphia 76ers in Game 1 of their Eastern Conference semifinal on Monday. James Harden went off for a playoff career-high of 45 points. Celtics big man Al Horford shared (via NBC Sports Boston) that it is not just a matter of ratcheting up intensity, however, to guard the Sixers star.
“I tried to guard him as best as I could. He probably surprised me with how quick he shot the ball, I figured he would try to spend a little more time before going, but I felt like I was right there contesting,” he explained.
“You’ve got to be careful with him because you can’t really contest them, because he always kicks his legs, that’s one of the things that he does.”
Celtics Lab 186: What went wrong in Game 1 for Boston, and what we’ll see in Game 2 to fix it with Barry Ebua https://t.co/FV7PCnwqmE
— The Celtics Wire (@TheCelticsWire) May 2, 2023
“For me, it’s a good learning experience there, and knowing how I’d handle it next time if I’m in that position,” Horford added.
Barring a significant change to how Boston has played thus far in the postseason or the availability of Joel Embiid, it seems likely the Florida alumnus will be, so let’s hope he takes those lessons and puts them to work in Game 2.
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