How 38-year-old Al Horford is inspiring Celtics amid playoff run

How 38-year-old Al Horford is inspiring Celtics amid playoff run originally appeared on NBC Sports Boston

The Boston Celtics should not need any additional motivation in the quest for Banner 18. But if there’s ever a moment during the 2024 NBA Finals where an additional jolt of inspiration is needed, Boston players can simply look over at Al Horford.

Horford turns 38 on Monday. He is, by NBA standards, a dinosaur. And yet every time you look up, he’s hitting another clutch 3 or is at the center of a big defensive stand. Sometimes it feels like no one on the floor wants to win more than Horford.

It’s obvious why: In a career decorated by winning, including two college national championships and more than two full seasons worth of NBA playoff appearances, the one thing that has evaded Horford is an NBA title. Now, he’s tantalizingly close to achieving that goal.

“I just feel very grateful to be in this opportunity. It’s very exciting for me,” Horford said. “We’ve just been consistent all year as a group. That’s a word that keeps coming up and it’s just the reality. Our group has been solid. We’re enjoying playing with each other 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 that I can of this opportunity.

“It’s not easy getting to this position. It’s only my second time being in a Finals, so I’m just very fortunate. Just very excited for the opportunity.”

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Let’s get the age stuff out of the way. At age 38, Horford is …

One of only two ’80s babies on the Finals rosters. The other, 34-year-old Dallas forward Markieff Morris (9/2/1989), has not played in the postseason.

Two years older than Celtics coach Joe Mazzulla, who will turn 36 at month’s end.

Four years older than any other player on Boston’s roster (Jrue Holiday, 6/12/1990) and eight years older than the next closest after that (Derrick White). Horford was approaching his 18th birthday when…

Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/38-old-al-horford-inspiring-142344920.html

Author : NBC Sports Boston

Publish date : 2024-06-03 14:23:44

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