A Boston Celtics player is perhaps more desperate than anyone else for an NBA title.
The Celtics face the Dallas Mavericks in the NBA Finals, with the first game on Thursday night.
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And Al Horford, who turns 38 on Monday, would love to get his first ring.
The center, who has played in the NBA since 2007, is still a key man on the Celtics team.
And he’s not downplaying his excitement ahead of the best-of-seven contest.
“I feel very grateful to have this opportunity. It’s very exciting for me,” Horford said.
“We were consistent all year as a group. That’s a word that keeps coming up and it’s just reality.
“Our group has been solid. We are enjoying playing together on the court and trying to make the most of this opportunity.
“So for me, I’m just enjoying this season and trying to make the most of it and trying to do the best I can with this opportunity.
“It’s not easy to get to this position. It’s only the second time I’ve participated in finals, so I’m very happy. I’m very excited about the opportunity.”
Horford’s career has turned into an epic story and he recently surpassed 40,000 total minutes in the NBA, including postseason play.
The overall numbers are staggering – he played in 1,259 NBA games, including 181 postseason games.
With Kristaps Porzingis sidelined with a calf injury, Horford has started the last 10 games.
And he’s delivered it all so far in the postseason, averaging 9.9 points and 7.3 rebounds in 30.4 minutes per game.
Celtics coach Joe Mazzulla, two years younger than Horford, is extremely grateful and admired for Horford’s efforts.
“I mean, you really can’t put it into words,” Mazzulla said after Boston defeated the Indiana Pacers.
NBA Eastern Conference Playoffs
First round
Boston Celts (1) 4-1 Miami Heat (8)
Cleveland Cavaliers (4) 4-3 Orlando Magic (5)
Milwaukee Bucks (3) 2-4 Indiana Pacers (6)
New York Knicks (2) 4-2 Philadelphia 76ers (7)
Conference Semifinals
Boston Celts (1) 4-1 Cleveland Cavaliers (4)
Indiana Pacers (6) 4-3 New York Knicks (2)
Conference Finals
Boston Celts (1) 4-0 Indiana Pacers (6)
“I’ll try my best, but he’s just a guy who’s the best. I mean, his leadership, his poise, his intensity – when he takes it to a different level, it’s infectious.
“Inspiration. Huys looks up to him, he’s just Al. I can’t put it into words. But I’m grateful to have him and I’m so happy for him.
“Just the sacrifices he’s made throughout his entire career to get another chance is huge, and I’m so happy for him.”
The Celtics have won 17 championships, but the last one was in 2008.
The Mavericks hope to build on the success of their previous title in 2011.
The first game on Thursday will be followed by a second meeting between the teams on Sunday.
This story originally appeared on The-sun.com read the full story
