Horford makes NBA history, and Mazzulla gives him the “ultimate compliment.”

Horford makes NBA history, and Mazzulla gives him the “ultimate compliment.”

Horford makes NBA history and receives the “ultimate compliment” from Mazzulla. This originally aired on NBC Sports. Boston

On their home court, the Boston Celtics defeated the Atlanta Hawks on Wednesday night, 125-117. With a combined scoring total of 52 points, Kristaps Porzingis and Derrick White led the way, but Al Horford, 37, deserves most of the credit for Boston’s triumph for his effort and grit.

Horford appeared to revert to a version of himself from his earlier years when facing the team that selected him with the third overall choice in the 2007 draft. The five-time All-Star put up incredible effort across the court, making clutch plays that undoubtedly helped the rest of his squad. From leaping over the line to rescue the

Horford’s stat line from Wednesday night—14 points, 8 rebounds, 8 assists, 4 blocks, and 2 steals—tells the story of how hard he worked. If the nearly triple-double didn’t wow you, this next section will: In one game, Horford recorded more than 10 points, eight rebounds, eight assists, four blocks, and four 3-pointers, making him the oldest player and first big man in NBA history.

Following Boston’s victory, head coach Joe Mazzulla of the Celtics discussed the constant effect of Horford, who has played in 21 games for each team, whether he starts or comes off the bench.

Mazzulla remarked of the seasoned team member, “This is the ultimate compliment — you know what you’re getting.”

Finding players in the league who can regularly contribute at the same level as the 17-year-old veteran Horford has this season is difficult. Horford continues to prove his worth in Boston, where he is currently the sixth-oldest active player in the NBA with an average of 7.8 points, 6.8 rebounds, 2.8 assists, and a block per game.

“Al is incredible,” Derrick White said to Abby Chin of NBC Sports Boston. That’s about all there is to say about Al. He’s incredible; he does so much for us both on and off the court to help us win games.”

What was Horford’s assessment of his game that broke records? The veteran responded succinctly, going back to prioritizing his team’s success above all else.

“Just go on, pass the pill. At the podium, Horford stated, “I try to do that.”

Fortunately for Horford, he will have Friday off before the Celtics play the Washington Wizards on Friday night. This will allow fans to witness the debut of recently acquired forward Xavier Tillman.

Report: Trail Blazers acquire Dalano Banton from the Celtics first aired on NBC Sports Boston.

The Boston Celtics executed two transactions on Thursday, right before the NBA’s trade deadline at 3 p.m. ET.

According to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski, the C’s traded guard Dalano Banton to the Portland Trail Blazers in return for a highly protected second-round draft pick after getting guard Jaden Springer in a trade with the Philadelphia 76ers.

Banton’s career with the Celtics was brief, as he played sparingly. The 24-year-old averaged 2.3 points, 1.5 rebounds, and 7.1 minutes per game in 21 games.

As Boston’s developing guard off the bench, Springer takes Banton’s place. The 21-year-old has played in more than two NBA seasons and has shown promise defensively but having trouble offensively (39 percent FG, 21.6 percent 3-PT).

Prior to the trade deadline, Brad Stevens, the president of the Celtics, completed three transactions. He strengthened the frontcourt by acquiring big man Xavier Tillman from the Memphis Grizzlies before to Thursday’s game-winning plays.

Forsberg: Tillman trade suggests a different action after Williams’ TPE was left unaltered on NBC Sports Boston

In a deal with the Memphis Grizzlies on Wednesday afternoon, the Boston Celtics acquired forward Xavier Tillman in exchange for Lamar Stevens and two second-round selections.

Stevens’ late entry into the transaction means that Tillman will join Boston with a contract that matches, protecting Grant Williams’ $6.2 million TPE. The Celtics will continue to have a slot available on their roster.

Chris Forsberg of NBC Sports Boston suggested that Tillman’s acquisition might only be the beginning for Boston as they approach the trade deadline, given that Williams’ TPE is still up for grabs.

Forsberg stated, “[Tillman] is going to have an opportunity to spell for Kristaps Porzingis and Al Horford,” on the Arbella Early Edition of NBC Sports Boston. “When you go watch the tape — it’s intriguing — he’s not very big, 6-foot-8, but he’s long, he’s active, he’s going to look a lot like Al when he’s out there on the floor with the way that he plays.”

The Celtics allegedly wanted a guy who could strengthen their bench, so while the deal won’t exactly make waves online, it’s precisely what they got. This season, Tillman has been an important member of the Grizzlies rotation, averaging 20.6 minutes per game, 6.0 points, 4.6 rebounds, 1.7 assists, 1.2 steals, and one block. Even though he will probably play less minutes in Boston, he might be extremely important in providing much-needed rest for the ailing Horford and the prone Porzingis in the last stretch of the regular season—Boston still has five back-to-back games left.

As the majority of Boston’s scoring is produced by the starting five of Jayson Tatum, Jaylen Brown, Derrick White, Jrue Holiday, and Kristaps Porzingis, Tillman can excel as a defensive-minded rotation player. The Michigan State fourth-year forward might contend for playing time among Horford, Sam Hauser, and Payton Pritchard, which would mean he would likely deplete Luke Kornet’s and Neemias Queta’s minutes.

“I like the move, but I’m just wondering if there is another shoe to drop because they kept the powder dry with that Grant [Williams] traded player exception,” Forsberg said regarding the transaction on Wednesday.

Forsberg continued by saying that the Celtics still have a few draft picks to work with in addition to the TPE. As Forsberg points out, Brad Stevens already did a fantastic job making big plays in the offseason by getting Holiday and Porzingis, but since Banner 18 feels so close, it might be time to go all in.

Forsberg continued, “I’m left yearning for spots seven and eight [on the bench].” “I just wonder, a guy like Alex Caruso, do you throw two first-round picks on the table to better that spot? No offense to Sam Hauser or Payton Pritchard. Although that’s a benefit for the future as well, that’s a lot for Alex Caruso, and it seems like Boston’s last opportunity to.

Brad’s already been daring, so I’m curious to see if he’s willing to be a little bit bolder here. Of course, I’m being greedy. I don’t want to feel like I felt in 2022, when we were just one player away, when we’re this close. Man, don’t make me feel that way if Rob [Williams’] knee was a little bit healthier.”

In the event that the Celtics decide not to make any more moves before Thursday’s trade deadline, they could always try to convert Queta to a conventional deal in order to fill the last roster position. The Portuguese big man has shown well in both of his appearances, providing Boston with a rim protector who is defensive-minded off the bench.