Horford’s high point fuels Celtics’ big rally
Al Horford has played in more than two dozen postseason series in a 15-year career but rarely has shown much emotion. That all changed Monday night.
The 35-year-old Horford capped a 10-0 Boston run by driving down the baseline, dunking to tie the score and drawing a foul on two-time most valuable player Giannis Antetokounmpo. Horford celebrated by screaming and pumping his fists.
Horford’s big moment was the signature play in a fourth-quarter comeback that enabled the Celtics to beat the Milwaukee Bucks 116-108 and tie their series 2-2.
“I usually just kind of go about my business,” said Horford, who finished with a career playoff-high 30 points. “I do get excited, but I guess you kind of pick your spots, your moments. This was an emotional game.”
Jayson Tatum also had 30 points. Horford had 16 points and Tatum 12 in the fourth quarter alone to help the Celtics outscore the defending champions 43-28.
at Golden State 101, Memphis 98: Stephen Curry converted eight free throws over the final 45.7 seconds on the way to 32 points, leading the Warriors’ fourth-quarter comeback for a 3-1 lead.
Curry also dished out eight assists and grabbed five rebounds as Golden State rallied to win without coach Steve Kerr after he tested positive for COVID-19 less than two hours before tipoff.
Memphis missed injured All-Star guard Ja Morant.