Whereas sitting out the primary 4 video games of the preseason, Al Horford liked what he noticed from his fellow Boston Celtics huge males.
The veteran watched as Luke Kornet, Xavier Tillman, and Neemias Queta loved standout performances. Kornet notched 15 factors and eight rebounds within the staff’s blowout win over the Philadelphia 76ers. Tillman shot 6-for-8 from 3-point vary over his first three preseason video games. Queta tallied 12 factors and 15 boards in Sunday’s win over the Toronto Raptors.
Earlier than taking the court docket for Tuesday’s preseason finale, Horford heaped reward on the trio for the strides they’ve made since final season.
“Simply been very impressed, simply with the enhancements with them,” Horford advised NBC Sports activities Boston’s Abby Chin. “I believe it is in all probability them being somewhat extra snug. However Neemy (Neemias Queta) defensively appears to be like actually strong. Rebounding the ball very properly. Xavier, actually capturing the ball extraordinarily properly and simply appears to proceed to get extra snug with every little thing we’re attempting to do. And Luke, simply excessive vitality, ending very properly on the rim and defending the rim for us.
“These are issues that we’d like from him to do, but it surely’s simply thrilling whenever you see these guys actually take one other step. Though it is the preseason, you’ll be able to already inform they’ve gotten higher.”
Kornet, Tillman, and Queta determine to play an important position for the Celtics this upcoming season. Star huge man Kristaps Porzingis is anticipated to be out till December or January after present process foot surgical procedure in June. The 38-year-old Horford’s minutes shall be monitored intently all through the marketing campaign.
Horford was quiet in his lone preseason look Tuesday in Toronto. He completed with two factors on 1 of 6 capturing (0-4 3-PT) with two rebounds and an help in 23 minutes. The Celtics fell to the Raptors of their preseason finale, 119-118.
If Boston’s backup bigs carry their preseason efficiency into the common season, it’s going to be a significant growth for a staff that already appears to be like poised to repeat as NBA champions. Their title protection begins subsequent Tuesday after they welcome the New York Knicks to TD Backyard.
Watch Horford’s full 1-on-1 interview with Abby Chin beneath, or on YouTube:
Abby Chin caught up with Al Horford earlier than the Celtics remaining preseason sport to debate staying wholesome, offseason highlights, turning the web page from final yr and extra
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