Al Horford’s huge night propels shorthanded Celtics over 76ers for fourth straight win

Al Horford has not been as impactful as usual to start this season. For the first time in his career, the veteran big man accepted a bench role among a talented roster. He has played fewer minutes. Through the Celtics’ first 10 games, he was slumping from 3-point range.

But with the Celtics shorthanded for the first time this season, they needed Horford – among others – to step up. The 37-year-old proceeded to turn back the clock again.

With Jaylen Brown and Kristaps Porzingis both out for the first time this season, Horford slid back into the starting lineup and had his best game of the season. Down two starters, Horford and the rest of his teammates stepped up as the Celtics received contributions from everywhere on the roster as they figured out a way to leave Philadelphia with a win. They avenged last week’s loss to the 76ers with a 117-107 victory on Wednesday night.

Jayson Tatum led the way with 29 points as the Celtics won their fourth consecutive game. But it wouldn’t have been possible without huge plays around him. Derrick White had 27 points as he took over in the fourth quarter. The bench had multiple contributions. And of course, Horford’s huge night propelled the Celtics, which included four enormous 3-pointers and five massive blocks in the second half as the C’s overcame a disastrous second quarter.