Can the Celtics find extra motivation in Horford’s quest for his first title? originally appeared in NBC Sports Boston
One of the best parts of every championship celebration, regardless of the sport, is seeing the players finally lift the trophy after a long career of defeat.
John Elway finally won a Super Bowl with the Denver Broncos in 1997 in the 15th year of his NFL career, and after losing in the big game three previous times. Ray Bourque won the Stanley Cup with the Colorado Avalanche in the 22nd and final season of his NHL career. Produced one of the greatest title celebration moments of all time.
Al Horford hopes to have a similar moment after the 2024 NBA Finals.
The Boston Celtics center is returning to basketball’s biggest stage for the second time. After losing to the Golden State Warriors in the 2022 NBA Finals, the Celtics will be favorites to beat the Dallas Mavericks or Minnesota Timberwolves this time around.
Horford is in his 17th season and will turn 38 next week (June 3). The Celtics are expected to be a top contender in the near future, but these opportunities are far from guaranteed.
The Celtics are aware of what’s at stake for their beloved teammate.
“I mean, I think there’s been an awareness of who he is as a person and how he carries himself and how important he is to the organization and the league since I’ve been here, and the respect he has from me. , from his teammates, from the organization — just because of who he is and how he plays,” Celtics coach Joe Mazzulla said Wednesday on 98.5 The Sports Hub. Zolak and Bertrandas seen in the video player above.
“And I think naturally understanding the situation we’re in, the situation he’s in, yeah, there’s definitely an awareness of that. I think that’s what brings a team together right now: you have to be able to think about the guy next to you. You have to stay together and understand that you need the guy next to you to win.
“So it’s definitely an awareness of that, but it’s also an awareness of the guy next to you for everyone and what it takes to win and how you do it together.”
Horford reaches the NBA Finals after playing in 181 career playoff games – the third-most of any player without winning a championship. He will overtake John Stockton (182) during the finals for second place. Karl Malone is No. 1 with 193 playoff games without a ring.
Horford is also still a quality player. This is not the case for an athlete who is past his prime and barely plays. He is averaging 9.9 points and 7.3 rebounds per game in the playoffs. He Set playoff career high with seven 3-pointers in Game 3 of the Eastern Conference Finals against the Indiana Pacers.
The Celtics don’t need any extra motivation to win the NBA Finals. After all, they have been knocking on this door for the past seven years, but they have not yet succeeded. But it wouldn’t be surprising if Horford’s title chase gives them a little more strength.
