Celtics' Al Horford: Plays through toe issue

Boston Celtics center Al Horford fought through discomfort Tuesday night.

In the Celtics' 110-107 Game 1 victory over the Miami Heat in the Eastern Conference finals, Horford started and played 36 minutes, finishing with 10 points, 12 rebounds, four assists and two blocks. He was 4-of-11 from the field and 2-of-6 from three-point range.

Horford has been dealing with a sore right big toe since Game 3 of the Celtics' second-round series against the Milwaukee Bucks.

He missed Game 4 of that series but returned to start Game 5 and has played in every game since.

Horford said after Game 1 against the Heat that his toe was still sore, but he was able to play through the discomfort.

"It's still a little sore," Horford said. "But I'm able to manage it. I just have to tape it up and go out there and play."

Horford's toughness was on display in Game 1 against the Heat.

He played through the pain and helped the Celtics secure a crucial victory in their quest to reach the NBA Finals.

The Celtics will host the Heat in Game 2 of the Eastern Conference finals on Thursday night.