Al Horford was ‘crazy’ after Bam Adebayo fouled Jayson Tatum

Al Horford’s reaction to Bam Adebayo’s contact with Jayson Tatum: After watching Kristaps Porzingis leave Monday’s Game 4 win over the Heat, Celtics players saw what initially appeared to be another high-profile injury.

Heat center Bam Adebayo got a little too close on a closeout with Jayson Tatum after the play was whistled in the fourth quarter. Adebayo’s foot ended up under where Tatum landed on a shot, causing the Celtics forward to suffer on the ground after twisting his ankle.

“The same ankle that I hurt in Game 7 last year, that I hurt against the Warriors, that I tweaked against the Clippers,” Tatum said after the game. “I didn’t feel good at first, but yeah, it was just that. I don’t want to make this a bigger deal than it is.

Tatum’s teammate Al Horford objected to this tactic, rushing to help his teammate take off (and bumping into Adebayo in the process).

Ultimately, Adebayo received a flagrant foul, with Horford receiving a technical foul for bumping into his opponent.

“I know we have to play and try to contest shots after fouls and things like that, but there are levels to contesting,” Horford said. “If a guy shoots and the play is over, leave him alone. I know (Adebayo) is trying to compete there, but I was just mad.

“I don’t want to see any of my guys get hurt or anything like that. Luckily (Tatum) is OK, but it could have been bad.

Anecdote: Al Horford was the third overall pick in the 2007 NBA draft. Who took a place ahead of Horford that year?

(Answer at bottom).

Hint: he was recruited in Texas.

Scores and schedules:

The Celtics put away the Heat for a 102-88 victory in Game 4 of the first-round playoff series. Boston leads Miami 3-1 and can potentially close out the game at TD Garden on Wednesday night at 7:30 p.m.

The Bruins will face the Maple Leafs tonight at 7 p.m. in game five. Boston leads the series 3-1 and can advance with a victory.

Also tonight, the Red Sox begin a three-game set against the Giants at Fenway Park. First pitch is set for 7:10 p.m.

More from Boston.com:

Patriots Highlights: Let’s take a look at some of the newly drafted rookies.

That day: In 2021, Jayson Tatum tied a team record with 60 points in a 143-140 overtime victory against the Spurs.

Highlight of the day: Speaking of Tatum, here’s a signature dunk from Monday’s win.