Moments removed from the Celtics’ 105-102 Game 4 triumph over the Pacers on Monday, ESPN reporter Lisa Salters asked Al Horford a straightforward yet illuminating question.
“How hungry are you to finally get that title?” Salters asked.
“Starving. Starving,” Horford said. “We ready for it. We can’t wait.”
The Celtics are heading back to the NBA Finals, and they should get the Game 1 t-shirts ready now: Horford’s screaming face in the center, “STARVING” on the front and “Ready For It” on the back. People might even wear the shirts instead of just taking them home.
Horford, who turns 38 a week from Monday, has played the third most playoff games all-time (181) without a title, behind only Karl Malone and John Stockton. He deserves to make the Hall of Fame whether he gets a ring or not, but nothing would be more fitting than punctuating his career with a championship.
“I’m starving for it. We’re ready. We can’t wait.”
Al Horford and the Celtics have their eyes set on the championship pic.twitter.com/RPj4xNK8lT
— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) May 28, 2024
He’s a stabilizer, an energizer, a sharpshooter, a rebound machine, a defensive whiz, an inspiring leader and a guy everyone trusts and respects.
He averaged 12.8 points, 7.3 rebounds, 1.8 blocks, 1.5 assists and 1.0 steals in the series. Horford poured in 23 points on seven 3-pointers in Game 3, and when the Pacers denied him more in Game 4, he took just four shots and had five assists. He said his mind-set is simply to do whatever it takes to win, and that approach is on full display every night.
Horford’s ability to adapt to what the Celtics need is one of his most impressive attributes. It’s a trait Jrue Holiday and Derrick White share, and one of many reasons this Celtics team is so elite in every facet.
In her postgame interview, Salters noted that Horford has sacrificed more than any other Celtic, which is true. At the same time, he’s stepped up in a major way with Kristaps Porzingis sidelined this postseason.
Just because we’ve come to expect it from Horford, doesn’t mean we should take it for granted. The guy played 40 minutes in Game 1 and 40 more in Game 4. He hit a clutch 3 in Game 3 and helped secure Game 4. To him, it’s just doing his job. To the Celtics, it means so much more.
“It’s not a sacrifice at all,” Horford said. “It’s a special group. I’m just very happy to be in this position.”
Joe Mazzulla on Al Horford stepping up as Horford turns 38 during the Finals: “You can’t really put it into words. I’ll try my best. He’s just a guy who is the best.”
— Jared Weiss (@JaredWeissNBA) May 28, 2024
In his postgame interview with members of the media, Horford said finding his son, wife, and father in the crowd was a special moment.
“It was just overwhelming,” Horford told reporters. “A lot of joy. Just grateful to be in this position.”
Horford said the Celtics aren’t satisfied and are more mature than they were two years ago when they made the Finals. He said they’re “in a better place” now.
Even with Porzingis back, Horford will be instrumental against either the Mavericks or Timberwolves. Both teams make things difficult with their size, but Horford’s versatility allows him to guard post players and stay with guards.
No one can totally stick Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving, but Horford should fare better than most. His skill is impressive, but his heart really sets him apart.
If things get tough in the Finals, Horford will be there to provide stability and structure.
Celtics coach Joe Mazzulla told reporters it’s hard to put into words what Horford means to the team.
“He’s just a guy who is the best,” Mazzulla said. “His leadership, his poise, when he brings it to a different level, it’s contagious.
“He’s Al.”
