After almost 20 years of competition, Al Horford is now relishing the opportunity to play alongside Stephen Curry, often hailed as the greatest shooter in basketball history. Following a recent practice, Horford expressed enthusiasm about harnessing Curry’s dynamic energy on the court.
Al Horford’s Perspective on Playing with Stephen Curry
“Curry terrifies everyone in the league,” Horford stated. He plans to leverage that fear to enhance his game and the performance of the Golden State Warriors. This past Sunday, Horford made his debut with the Warriors in a preseason match against the Los Angeles Lakers, where he began to form a connection with Curry.
Building Chemistry on the Court
After the game, Curry remarked on the “unspoken chemistry” developing between him and Horford. “When I’m on the floor with him, my focus is on simplifying the game for him. I work to get him open or set screens,” said Horford. He recognized how their playing styles complement each other seamlessly.
- Horford’s debut statistics: 3 points, 4 rebounds, 3 blocks in 14 minutes.
- Curry’s feedback highlights an immediate basketball understanding between the two.
Horford acknowledged his self-critical nature. Despite his initial performance, he believes there are numerous ways to improve and integrate with the Warriors’ game plan. He noted that Coach Steve Kerr and key players like Draymond Green have facilitated an easy transition for him into the Warriors’ system.
The Impact of Draymond Green
Horford finds playing with Draymond Green particularly liberating. Green’s defensive prowess allows Horford more freedom to make plays. “Green is a protector on the defensive end,” Horford said, appreciating how Green supports his teammates. This reinforcement is crucial for Horford as he adjusts to his new team.
Future Collaborations and Team Dynamics
Looking ahead, Coach Kerr is keen to explore the potential pairing of Horford with young talent Jonathan Kuminga. “With our distinct playing styles, I believe we can create opportunities for each other,” Horford stated. This combination could enhance both players’ ability to attack defenses effectively.
Coach Kerr’s Praise for Horford
Steve Kerr has been vocal about the immediate positive impact Horford has made since joining the team. He noted that certain veteran players can adapt seamlessly to the Warriors’ style, similar to previous stars like Kevin Durant and David West. “Horford’s attributes simplify the game for everyone around him,” Kerr said, highlighting Horford’s size, shooting ability, and basketball IQ.
As the preseason progresses, Horford is optimistic about continuing to grow his game alongside Curry and the rest of the Warriors. His focus remains on building the chemistry necessary for a successful season.
