The Celtics entered the week with the NBA's best defensive efficiency (99.8), and much of that success can be traced to Horford, who was allowing a mere 0.77 points per play, according to Synergy Sports data. Of the 45 highest-volume players with at least 500 plays defended, Horford ranks No. 1.
NBA defensive tracking data suggests that Horford is limiting opponents to 41 percent shooting overall, or 5.8 percent lower than those players' season average, and NBA hustle data ranks Horford tied for fourth in the league while contesting 13.1 shots per game.