Celtics’ Al Horford set to play in his first NBA Finals after snapping historic streak

Its been a long time coming, but the Celtics’ veteran is on his way to the NBA finals for the first time in his career.

Celtics’ Al Horford is a happy man

When the NBA Finals get underway on Thursday night and the Boston Celtics start their battle with the heavily favored Golden State Warriors, there is one player who will living an experience that has been a very long time coming. Indeed, the Celtics Al Horford has spent some 15 seasons in the league and with that has also played in 141 playoff games, but surprisingly the center has never been to the Finals although he is in fact the player with the most play off games under his belt without having played in the Finals.

As one can imagine, the moment that the Celtics claimed their spot in the Finals was an extremely emotional one for the Boston’s big man after his team’s 100-96 Game 7 win against the Miami Heat. Horford who is now 35 years old has had a career of ups and downs. Just a year ago, the speculation about whether or not his career would continue was intense after a disappointing single season adventure with the the Philadelphia 76ers. To make matters worse that abysmal campaign was followed by a brief spell with the Oklahoma City Thunder who at the time were in the middle of restructuring. Horford would in fact only play 28 games for the Thunder before moving on. That of course brings us to Boston where it is clear that he is not only appreciated but a central part of the team. “I’ve been a part of a lot of great teams, a lot of great teammates, and I’m so proud of this group,” Horford said after Game 7. “For me, it’s just special to be with them and be able to help them and be a part of this. I’m really grateful to be in this position.”

Al Horford makes history

It should be said that aside from snapping the longest running streak in the league for most post season games played without an appearance in the NBA Finals, Horford actually achieved something that might well indeed be much more heart felt. With his trip to the last series of the post season now assured, Horford became the first player to represent the Dominican Republic in the Finals. “We’re here in Miami really close to [Dominican Republic],” Horford said of the accomplishment. “I know my family’s happy. Everybody’s happy, everybody’s watching. The country was watching, I know everybody was there. They were sending me pictures. They were ready for this. We’re enjoying this one.”

Marcus Smart and Jaylen Brown know what it means to Al Horford

It wasn’t just Horford either as his teammates also appreciated what the milestone meant for their big man. It’s no secret that Horford has been a key component on both sides of the floor for a Celtics team that has become a veritable juggernaut in defense. “When he came back, it gave us a sense of security,” Boston guard Marcus Smart said of Horford. “He’s selfless. Al couldn’t care less about the numbers. He cares about the wins and his team.”

Smart’s sentiments were also echoed by star forward Jaylen Brown who added his opinion saying, “Nobody deserves it more than this guy on my right. His energy, his demeanor. Coming in every day, being a professional, taking care of his body, being a leader. I’m proud to be able to share this moment with a veteran, a mentor, a brother, a guy like Al Horford, man. He’s been great all season, really my whole career. So, I’m happy to be able to share this moment with somebody like him.” Of course with the moment now past - all due respect to Al Horford - the Celtics must now quickly turn their attention to the task at hand. If they are to clinch their first title in more than a decade, the Celtics are going to need to put in a performance that tops what they have done so far. Standing in their way are the Golden State Warriors so the question is can Al Horford and his ‘brothers’ bring it one more time?