As the Boston Celtics prepare to face off against the Golden State Warriors at the Chase Center this Thursday night, the atmosphere is charged with excitement, especially for Al Horford. The veteran center, who formerly won a championship with the Celtics in 2024, expressed his thrill about reuniting with past teammates in this highly anticipated matchup.
Horford shared his enthusiasm about the opportunity to reconnect with individuals he deeply values, saying, “It’s exciting for me. Just from a standpoint that I get to see a lot of people that I care about. We’ll compete on the court and that goes on.” He highlighted the special bond he shares with his former teammates, emphasizing that post-game interactions would make the experience even richer.
His son, Ian, has also been eager about the reunion, looking forward to seeing familiar faces, which adds to the anticipation for the game. “The whole thing is just — it’ll be cool. It’ll be cool to see everyone,” Horford noted.
Reflecting on the Celtics’ performance during his absence, Horford mentioned he wasn’t surprised by their progress, crediting coach Joe Mazzulla and the strong culture within the team. He specifically pointed out the impressive development of players Neemi Queta and Jordan Walsh, who have made significant strides in their game and impact on winning. “But overall … it is kind of expected,” he admitted, highlighting the continuity of talent within the Celtics organization.
This reunion game not only serves as a competitive encounter but also as an emotional experience for Horford and the Celtics, reinforcing the foundational relationships built during his time in Boston. As both teams vie for victory on the court, the underlying camaraderie and shared memories promise to add a unique dimension to the upcoming clash.