Al Horford on "fighting for his life" in defending Joel Embiid

The size differential between the Celtics Al Horford (6'9", 240 lbs.) and The Sixers Joel Embiid (7', 280 lbs.) appears greater than the measurements indicate. Still, Boston's 36-year-old center/forward did one terrific job defending the League MVP.

It was obvious from Game-1 of the East Semis versus the Philadelphia 76'ers that The Dominican Gentleman was up to the task. Al was annointed as Embiid's prime defender in the series, and he was not going to allow the Philly center's size, strength and MVP status to detract from his task.

It probably helped that Joe Mazzulla (or was it Brad Stevens?) decided to play his 2-big starting lineup for the final two games of the series - bringing in 6'8" Rob Williams to pair with Horford. In a post-game interview, Al put it right out there, stating:

"I was just out there trying to fight for my life!"

"I had to put my imprint in the series. I had to figure it out."

Al Horford on guarding Joel Embiid pic.twitter.com/tJ9FkxERk4
— Celtics on NBC Sports Boston (@NBCSCeltics) May 14, 2023

Horford did a masterful job defending Embiid in Game-7, even blocking three of the big man's shots. In the same interview, Horford added that he had to put his imprint on the series:

"It was very difficult, but it was one of those things that I had to figure it out. I had to put my imprint in the series. I had to figure it out."

Well, Boston's Dominican gentleman certainly left his imprint on the Philly series. On to the Miami Heat with the Celtics once again in the East Finals.

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