The Cavaliers would probably have maintained their unbeaten record if it hadn’t been for Al Horford on Tuesday.
Horford, 38, often played in place of a struggling Neemias Queta during the Celtics’ second NBA Cup matchup. Queta logged 16 minutes and was a -15 on the court with three turnovers.
In contrast to Queta, Horford saw the parquet for 31 minutes and finished the game as a team-best +15. The veteran scored a season-high 20 points, topping his previous best 18 points on Saturday against the Raptors. Those points helped Boston win 120-117.
Horford was also 4-for-5 from the three-point line and notched seven rebounds, plus three blocks.