
Defense was the Boston Celtics’ Achilles’ heel against the Philadelphia 76ers in Game 1 of their Eastern Conference semifinal on Monday. James Harden went off for a playoff career-high of 45 points. Celtics big man Al Horford shared (via NBC Sports Boston) that it is not just a matter of ratcheting up intensity, however, to guard the Sixers star.
“I tried to guard him as best as I could. He probably surprised me with how quick he shot the ball, I figured he would try to spend a little more time before going, but I felt like I was right there contesting,” he explained.