Celtics Al Horford's impressive bench performance in season opener vs. Knicks receives high acclaim

Al Horford, a long-time starter for the Boston Celtics, came off the bench for the first time in his career. This sacrifice sets the tone for the team's pursuit of a championship.

In a surprising twist to his Celtics career, Al Horford found himself coming off the bench for the first time in Wednesday's season opener against the Knicks. This marked a significant change for Horford, who had started all 429 games he played for the Celtics prior to this.

The decision to have Horford on the bench was a result of the Celtics' loaded roster and Coach Joe Mazzulla's strategic approach. Despite his preference for starting, Horford made the selfless choice to accept a seat on the bench. This act did not go unnoticed by his teammates.

Jayson Tatum praised Horford's sacrifice, stating, "That's the ultimate sacrifice. Al is the epitome of a team player. We have six starters essentially, and everyone will have to sacrifice at some point throughout the season. But for Al to voice his willingness to come off the bench, it shows his love and dedication to the team. He will undoubtedly play a crucial role in our success this year."

It's important to note that Horford did not volunteer to come off the bench initially. However, after several conversations, he agreed to do so as Tatum, Jaylen Brown, Derrick White, Jrue Holiday, and Kristaps Porzingis took the floor. Mazzulla also commended Horford, recognizing his importance to the team's culture and expressing gratitude for his willingness to sacrifice.

Mazzulla emphasized that this season will require sacrifices from everyone on the team, not just Horford. He stated, "Al's sacrifice sets the tone for our team, but it's not just about him. The idea behind this offseason and preseason is that each player will have to give up something for us to become a better team. Sacrifices will look different for each player and will occur at different times throughout the season. As long as we maintain togetherness, sacrifice, and open-mindedness, we will maximize our potential for success."

This season opener serves as a clear example of the Celtics' commitment to teamwork and their pursuit of a championship. Horford's selflessness sets the stage for a season of sacrifice and unity, as each player embraces their role and puts the team's success above personal ambitions. With this mindset, the Celtics aim to achieve their goals and prove themselves as a formidable force in the league.

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