Al Horford's impact on the Golden State Warriors has been nothing short of transformative. Initially joining the team as a significant free-agent signing, Horford faced a slow start due to a sciatic injury. However, his recent performances have shifted the narrative, elevating him to a role arguably more crucial than that of 4-time All-Star Draymond Green.
The Warriors' recent games underscore Horford's newfound importance. His absence was felt during the first night of a back-to-back against the New Orleans Pelicans, where Golden State struggled offensively, shooting just over 40% from the field and a mere 24.4% from beyond the arc.
The Warriors also committed 20 turnovers, leading to a narrow 113-109 defeat. The Pelicans showed little respect for Green's offensive capabilities, which contributed to Golden State's sluggish start, scoring only 11 points in the first nine minutes and 39 in the first half.
Fast forward to Wednesday's game against the Memphis Grizzlies, and Horford's return to the lineup made a noticeable difference. While it wasn't a repeat of his 22-point, seven-assist showing against the Denver Nuggets, his 10 points, seven rebounds, and three assists were pivotal.
Horford's ability to score from post-up situations forced the Grizzlies, lacking a true center, into double-teaming. This allowed the Warriors to exploit defensive gaps, facilitating ball movement and creating open shots.
The result? A 133-112 victory where the Warriors shot an impressive 53.3% from the field and 41.4% from three-point range, dishing out 37 assists.
This turnaround highlights Horford's impact, not just in this game but consistently since his return on Christmas Day. He's averaged 9.3 points, 5.3 rebounds, 2.8 assists, and 1.1 blocks with efficient 48/38/85 shooting splits.
In contrast, Green's numbers during the same period tell a different story. He's averaged 8.9 points on 41% shooting and 31% from three, alongside 2.3 turnovers per game. The team stats further emphasize Horford's influence, with the Warriors being +73 in his minutes since Christmas, compared to -47 when Green is on the floor.
The stats and the eye test both suggest that Horford is currently a more valuable asset to the Warriors. Whether this shift will lead to changes in the starting lineup remains to be seen, but Horford's role in Golden State's success is undeniable.