Boston: The Boston Celtics sustained a terrible blow when Kristaps Porzingis pulled his calf during Game 4 of the first round. Fortunately, Al Horford’s presence is a big part of why their roster is designed to withstand such hardship.

In Game 5, Horford replaced Porzingis as the starting point guard, and the Celtics defeated the Miami Heat 118-84. And for as long it takes Porzingis to recover, he’s ready to step up even more.

Horford is the best choice available for a 17-year-old veteran who has started over 1,200 games in both his regular season and postseason careers. His sixth-man role is ideal in this kind of scenario.

After practice on Friday, Horford remarked, “I think that from experience over the years, you would like for everything to go super smooth, but that’s not always the case.” “My approach to preparing stays the same. I just feel like maybe more will be expected of me now that I feel like

I’m really consistent in my approach and in the things that I need to do every day. However, I’m still approaching it in the same manner, so I don’t believe there’s anything I need really change or do differently. We’ve done our work with great consistency throughout the season, and I don’t see that changing now.

Throughout Boston’s 34-point rout, Horford was a lightning rod, making hustle plays and energising the audience as well as his teammates.

His friends are aware of his potential as a catalyst, observing how his energy influences everyone in his vicinity.

“Al kind of sets the temperature for us with just his ability to impact the game basketball-wise, but also with his personality and his aggressiveness,” head coach Joe Mazzulla said following Game 5. He laid the table and established the mood for us tonight, and everyone else did the same.

Horford adopts a lead-by-example approach to set the tone. Whether he’s starting or coming off the bench, he embodies consistency and his approach never falters.

He remarked, “I want to make sure that I’m doing the things that I need to do on that end, that I’m supporting the group, and that defensively I’m solid.” “My work remains the same.

Next, I’ll take offence by staying prepared and doing whatever is necessary. It doesn’t change for me; it’s simply about continuing to have an impact on winning.

The only thing that has changed is that he is now beginning, which also implies that other bigs will need to step up and cover his void. “I’m expecting some of our men to step up and be able to play minutes for us when their number is called.

This could be Luke (Kornet), Neemi (Neemias Queta), or Xavier (Tillman Sr.). I’m enthusiastic about their opportunity because of that.

Horford frequently rises to the occasion during the playoffs, so his colleagues are also eager to see what he will provide in his expanded role.

“He’s our original, the real deal,” Payton Pritchard remarked. The way he conducts himself is amazing. I’ve been seeing him on a daily basis to see his work ethic and mindset. He is therefore central to this.