Al Horford has overcome a wall that seemed insurmountable. After 15 years in the NBA and having played up to 141 playoff games, he has finally managed to get where he wanted, to the Finals. Until the seventh game against Miami, the Celtics center was the player who had played the most games in the postseason without reaching the final battle for the ring; now he passes that honor on to Paul Millsap, who was his teammate in Atlanta, with 120 games. Given such a long wait, it is not surprising that the Dominican center is exultant.
“I have been part of many great teams, I have had many great teammates and I am very proud of this group. It’s just special. The fact of being with them, being able to help them, achieve this and be part of this. I am very grateful to be in this position », he comments.
The truth is that the road to get here has not been easy, especially in regard to recent seasons. He had great years with the Hawks and repeated good experience in Boston, but his steps through Philadelphia and Oklahoma City were tortuous. Some thought that his career was over and that the best Horford would not return. They were wrong. He has been an essential part of the Celtics that return to the Finals after 12 long years and, incidentally, becomes the first player to represent the Dominican Republic in the final round to be champion.
“We are here in Miami, very close to the Dominican Republic. I know my family is happy. Everyone is happy, everyone was watching it. The country was watching, I know everyone was there. They’ve been sending me photos. We are all enjoying this », he explains.
(Photograph by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)
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