Nikola Jokic continues to be one of the most dominant forces in the NBA, consistently delivering impressive statistical performances. Even opposing coaches, such as Joe Mazzulla, recognize that Jokic will inevitably rack up points, rebounds, and assists, regardless of their defensive strategies.
In a recent game at TD Garden, Jokic recorded 20 points, 14 rebounds, and nine assists—an output that, by his standards, was considered an off night. Mazzulla emphasized that instead of focusing solely on Jokic, teams should concentrate on limiting the other aspects of the Nuggets’ game, such as cutting, transition plays, and second-chance opportunities.
Horford’s Veteran Grit and Defensive Tenacity Challenge Jokic and Inspire the Celtics
Despite the difficulty of stopping Jokic, someone has to take on the challenge each game. On this occasion, that responsibility fell to veteran big man Al Horford, who, at 38 years old, still embraces the opportunity to test himself against the league’s best. Horford acknowledged Jokic as one of the top players in the NBA, highlighting his unpredictability and selfless style of play.
What makes Jokic even more dangerous, according to Horford, is that he prioritizes making winning plays while still putting up staggering individual numbers. Defending him requires a full-team effort, and Horford credited his teammates for their support in executing the defensive game plan.
Al Horford’s Defensive Grit Pushes Celtics as Nikola Jokic Dominates in Near Triple-DoubleHorford brought intensity from the start, hustling for loose balls, running the floor, and battling Jokic in the paint. He played 35 minutes—a heavy workload at this stage of his career—following up on a 38-minute outing against the Cavaliers.
Despite not always filling up the stat sheet, Horford’s impact was undeniable. Mazzulla praised Horford’s ability to influence the game in multiple ways, particularly on defense, where he showcased strong positioning, communication, and physicality. His effort set the tone for the Celtics, helping them compete against a talented Nuggets team.
Horford’s Leadership and Team Support Enhance Celtics’ Defensive and Offensive Efforts
Horford’s effort on the defensive end did not go unnoticed by his teammates, who made an effort to reward him offensively. Jaylen Brown looked to involve Horford in the scoring, leading to a 19-point performance from the veteran. Most of Horford’s baskets came in the paint, including a crucial transition play where Brown found him running the floor.
Brown joked about Horford’s missed dunk attempt, acknowledging the veteran’s experience and family responsibilities. The Celtics’ team-oriented approach highlighted their respect for Horford’s contributions beyond just scoring.
While Horford played a crucial role in containing Jokic, he credited teammates Luke Kornet and Neemias Queta for their defensive support. Their ability to rotate effectively and make the right reads helped limit Denver’s offensive threats.
Horford emphasized how his defensive versatility allows the Celtics to adjust their coverage on the fly, whether switching onto guards like Jamal Murray or battling big men like Jokic. Though Jokic remains nearly impossible to stop, Horford’s defensive presence and adaptability give the Celtics an edge in matchups against elite opponents.
