Al Horford, the seasoned veteran center, officially stepped into the starting lineup for the Golden State Warriors during the 2025-26 NBA season after initially being held back to preserve his health. Coach Steve Kerr, mindful of Horford’s age and conditioning in his 19th professional year, decided to begin the season with Horford coming off the bench, focusing on his availability for critical moments on the court.
It was only in Horford’s 13th game, which corresponded to the Warriors’ 23rd game of the season, that he made his first start as a Warrior. Early setbacks like injuries and inconsistency limited his influence, resulting in seven games missed. However, since Christmas, Horford’s presence has stabilized, and the team’s performance has reflected that improvement.
Recent Starting Appearances Mark a Turning Point for Horford and the Team
Coach Kerr has given Horford his recent starts when the veteran has been available, with two consecutive starts resulting in dominant victories over the Minnesota Timberwolves and Utah Jazz by 26 and 16 points respectively. Horford contributed significantly in these wins without seeking the spotlight, proving essential to the Warriors’ recent success.
Kerr expressed his confidence in Horford’s increased playing time, explaining,
“Now that he can play 24 minutes, which is where his restriction is, I feel comfortable starting him and still being able to close with him.”
He added,
“We can work the math on that. And it’s nice having him with Draymond [Green] to start the game defensively. I like what I’m seeing from that group.”
Horford’s On-Court Impact and Statistical Highlights
In his second start during the Minnesota game, Horford was a positive presence with a +7 plus-minus over 23 minutes, tallying 10 points, five rebounds, two assists, and one block. His third start was even more impressive against the Jazz, finishing with a +22 rating in 24 minutes alongside nine points, five rebounds, a season-high eight assists, one steal, and three blocks matching his season peak.
While teammates Moses Moody scored a game-high 26 points and Steph Curry added 27 with efficient shooting splits, Horford’s influence remains distinctive—his health and rhythm elevate multiple players and the overall team dynamic. The Warriors have benefited from his experience as a shooter, passer, and defender, aspects unmatched by younger players like Quinten Post and Trayce Jackson-Davis despite their contributions.
Defensive Strength and Offensive Contributions from Horford
Horford started one game by hitting a three-pointer from the right wing, immediately showcasing his shooting touch. Defensively, he dominated against Utah’s Lauri Markkanen, blocking three shots from the big man, including contested attempts from beyond the arc and near the rim. This defensive resilience has contributed to limiting opposing centers such as Jusuf Nurkic and Rudy Gobert, both registering significant negative plus-minus ratings during recent matchups.
Remarkably, the Warriors produced their lowest scoring output of the season, 83 points, in a game when Horford did not play, while posting their highest point total, 140, when he returned to the starting lineup. This contrast highlights Horford’s importance on both ends of the floor.
Managing Minutes and Maintaining Health for Consistency
Since returning from a seven-game absence, Horford has missed only four games in the last five weeks, all involving the second half of back-to-back scenarios—a strategy similar to that used for De’Anthony Melton to optimize player health. The Warriors have a 10-5 record in games where Horford has participated recently, with the veteran averaging 8.2 points, 5.5 rebounds, 2.5 assists, and 1.2 blocks per game while shooting nearly 50 percent overall and over 40 percent from three-point range.
Kerr emphasized Horford’s impact by stating,
“I’ve said this to you guys, but Al and Melt have changed our team. Just the two-way capability. Melt’s ability to get by people and Al’s size, his shooting. So even without Jimmy [Butler], we’ve got a lot of depth, a lot of guys who can contribute and win games.”
Implications for the Warriors as Season Progresses
More than halfway through the season, with the NBA trade deadline and All-Star break approaching, the Warriors now have the dependable starting center they have sought in Al Horford. His ability to anchor the defense, contribute offensively, and elevate the team’s overall performance brings renewed optimism to Golden State’s campaign as they aim for success in the second half.
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