Al Horford shows that the Celtics do, on certain nights, have a second star

It all started with one early play as Boston took a 3-2 series lead vs. the Wizards

Sometimes, Al Horford is just kind of there. He's a four-time All-Star, but, especially since he joined the Boston Celtics, he doesn't often dominate the traditional way. This season, Horford averaged 14.0 points, 6.8 rebounds and 5.0 assists, and while those numbers are up in the playoffs, his greatest strengths aren't always captured by traditional stats. He never negatively affects the team, but you can watch Boston and forget about him, especially if Isaiah Thomas is making play after play. 

That was not the case on Wednesday. Throughout the Celtics' 123-101 win in Game 5 of their second-round series against the Washington Wizards, Horford made his presence felt. He finished with 19 points on 8-for-9 shooting, seven assists, six rebounds and three blocks, and it all started with an aggressive play less than two minutes into the game. 

With Boston down 4-2, Horford pulled down a rebound that could have gone to Wizards center Marcin Gortat. He then pushed the ball the other way, and with Washington's defense set, he attacked forward Markieff Morris one-on-one:

This is not a selfish play. He simply recognized a matchup advantage and exploited it, and Horford does not always do that.

All season, Celtics coach Brad Stevens has raved about everything Horford has brought to the organization, from his professionalism to his leadership and basketball smarts. Horford's biggest supporters, Stevens included, extol his modest points-per-game average as a virtue, not a flaw. He could force shots more often, but he cares more about keeping Boston's offense flowing. 

Horford is, indeed, a huge part of how the Celtics earned the No. 1 seed in the playoffs. He is skilled, versatile and efficient. Every team would love a two-way big man who can pass the hell out of the ball, pick-and-pop and hit some 3-pointers. Nevertheless, Boston president Danny Ainge had to defend signing him to a maximum contract as recently as a week ago, via the Boston Herald's Steve Bulpett:

"I'm just amazed because we were so thrilled at the chance of getting Al even before he decided to come to us," he said. "And I think that every one of us is even more grateful for Al after having him with us.

"But it seems like some fans don't understand, maybe because they're playing fantasy league or something. I don't know. But we're trying to win basketball games, and Al Horford, his offensive and defensive presence, has been enormous for us this year. We'd be nowhere near where we are without him, and I don't think there's any player, coach, anybody that is around him day to day that doesn't understand and appreciate him. Not just his value but his amazing value to our team.

"You just look at some of the data stuff that people come up with, and he's like the best player numbers-wise in the Chicago series. But people still look at 14 points and how many rebounds and blah blah blah."

Ainge is right. Horford has been particularly helpful to the Celtics in the postseason, shooting an absurd 61.8 percent and 53.8 percent from 3-point range heading into Game 5. His ability to stretch the floor and his chemistry with Thomas have been crucial in the point guard's superstar turn. Every once in a while, though, Horford can remind everybody that he's capable of looking like a superstar, too. 

It is possible to appreciate Horford and also wish that he played with a bit more force. He has a quickness and athleticism advantage most nights, and he can take some pressure off Thomas by providing extra offense. When he has the energy he showed against Washington, he can change games on both ends. During the Celtics' 16-0 run in the first quarter, he hit a 3-pointer without hesitation, then rejected John Wall at the rim to start a fast break that led to another 3 from Avery Bradley. Is there anyone, Wizards fans excluded, who didn't love him flexing after his put-back in the second quarter?

Horford is never going to play without a conscience. To Boston, part of what makes him worth that maximum contract is the way he sees the whole floor and moves the ball. He and the Celtics are at their best, though, when they are decisive and playing with purpose. On Wednesday, Horford both made his teammates better and made Washington account for him. As Boston tries to advance to the conference finals, this is exactly what it needs.