Al Horford explained why he was ‘mad’ after Bam Adebayo’s flagrant foul on Jayson Tatum
Al Horford’s reaction to Bam Adebayo’s brush with Jayson Tatum: After watching Kristaps Porzingis exit Monday’s Game 4 win over the Heat, Celtics players saw what initially appeared to be another high-profile injury.
Heat center Bam Adebayo got a little too close on a close-out with Jayson Tatum after the play was whistled dead in the fourth quarter. Adebayo’s foot ended up underneath where Tatum landed following a shot, resulting in the Celtics forward on the ground in pain after twisting his ankle.
“Same ankle that I hurt in Game 7 last year, that I hurt against the Warriors, that I tweaked against the Clippers,” Tatum said after the game. “Didn’t feel good at first, but yeah, it was just that. I don’t want to make it a bigger deal than what it is.”
Tatum’s teammate, Al Horford, took exception to the tactics, rushing over to help his teammate up off the ground (and bumping Adebayo in the process).
Eventually, Adebayo was given a flagrant one foul, with Horford being given a technical foul for bumping his opponent.
“I know that we get to playing around and trying to contest shots after fouls and things like that, but there are levels to contest,” Horford said. “If a guy’s shooting and the play’s over with, just kind of let him be. I know [Adebayo] is trying to compete over there, but I was just mad.
“I don’t want to see any of my guys get hurt or anything like that. Thankfully [Tatum] is fine, but it could’ve been bad.”
Trivia: Al Horford was the third overall pick in the 2007 NBA Draft. Who was taken one spot ahead of Horford that year?
(Answer at the bottom).
Hint: He was drafted out of Texas.
Scores and schedules:
The Celtics brushed aside the Heat for a 102-88 win in Game 4 of the first-round playoff series. Boston leads Miami 3-1, and can potentially close things out at TD Garden on Wednesday night at 7:30 p.m.
The Bruins face the Maple Leafs tonight at home at 7 p.m. in Game 5. Boston leads the series 3-1 and can advance with a win.
Also tonight, the Red Sox begin a three-game set against the Giants at Fenway Park. First pitch is set for 7:10 p.m.
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Patriots highlights: Taking a look at some of the newly-drafted rookies.
On this day: In 2021, Jayson Tatum tied a team record with 60 points in a 143-140 overtime win over the Spurs.
Daily highlight: Speaking of Tatum, here’s a signature dunk from Monday’s win.
Trivia answer: Kevin Durant
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