Ask Al Horford to offer insight into his recent streak of 20-plus scoring games and he simply points to his health.
The torn pectoral muscle that cost him most of last season is getting better – although there is still work to do this summer. The hamstring and calf strains that were an issue earlier this season are gone.
Yet take a peek behind the scenes and the answer is not quite that simple. The road to health hasn’t been an easy journey. Horford and Hawks coaches have worked every day to return him to the form that made him a two-time All-Star while playing out of position at center.
Going into Sunday night’s game against the Lakers, Horford scored 20 or more points in eight straight contests. It’s easily the longest stretch of such games in his career. Over those games, he averaged 24.8 points with a .659 shooting percentage (87 of 132) and 11.8 rebounds. He scored a career-high 34 points against the Jazz on Feb. 27 when he also reached a best of 14 field goals made and tied his mark of 22 field goals attempted. Over the past five games, Horford averaged 24.8 points which ranked eighth among all NBA players.
Horford entered Sunday tied with Josh Smith for the team lead in scoring (928 points) and per-game average (17.2).
Horford spoke specifically of work done with strength and conditioning coach Jeff Watkinson and assistant coach Kenny Atkinson, both new to the Hawks staff this season.
“I’ve been working with them all season but especially after the (All-Star) break, we’ve been going at it a little harder,” Horford said. “I feel great out there and it’s because of them. Physically I feel great.”
Horford came back from the All-Star break a day early, cutting short a trip home to the Dominican Republic. There he was at the Hawks facility in the evening working with Watkinson for an hour and half just to be prepared for the following day’s first practice back. Horford has not taken a day off since. Horford goes to the gym on off days for recovery work, which consists of a lot stretching and other exercises to maintain his flexibility.
“As much as anything, he’s just been so consistent,” Watkinson said. “Even when we get these long stretches were we play five games in eight days or three games in four days. That day we are not playing he is so diligent in his recovery to where he makes sure he is breaking a sweat, he’s stretching extra. He’s really good with his diet, making sure he’s eating the right foods. The key for him is making sure he can come back at the same level over and over again. He doesn’t have a drop off. To me, it isn’t the level that he’s doing it, it’s the consistency that he’s doing it.”
After being cautious while his hamstring and calf healed, the workouts have now intensified and Watkinson said Horford’s legs are at a higher level physically and have more “pop.”
Watkinson said the staff will turn its attention to Horford’s mending pectoral muscle in the offseason with an aim of returning it to full strength. While he hasn’t experienced pain in the surgically repaired muscle, there is discomfort as it often becomes tight. An ice pack is a constant post-game accompaniment.
A healthy 6-foot-10 Horford has also been able to play more effectively facing the basket. He is draining 15-18 foot jump shots with consistency while an often bigger defender has difficulty staying with him.
“He’s open a lot and he’s getting his shots in rhythm,” coach Larry Drew said. “It’s very important for him. I’ve always said he’s one of the better pick-and-pop guys in our league and he’s showing that now.
“He’s playing out of position. For his size, he’s really a power forward but we’ve played him at the center position. The strength of his game is not playing with his back to the basket. Although he is capable of scoring with his back to the basket his ability to separate and bring big guys farther out on the floor puts him at an advantage. And he’s gotten good at it.”
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