Celtics center Al Horford reaches Finals at long last

May 31, 2022 World Sports

Al Horford is in The Finals after playing more postseason games prior to getting there than anyone in NBA history.

The Celtics’ veteran center had logged 141 playoff games without advancing past the conference finals, a league record finally broken after Boston’s Game 7 victory over Miami on Sunday.

When the final buzzer sounded, Horford was immediately overcome by the long-awaited moment. The 15-year veteran collapsed to the floor and screamed repeatedly, pounding the hardwood before rising to be embraced by Celtics teammates and staffers. The five-time All-Star has missed the playoffs just twice since being drafted third overall by Atlanta in 2007, but came up one series short with the Hawks (once) and Celtics (twice) in his deepest postseason runs.

“It’s been a great journey,” Horford admitted. “Lot of battles. Obviously I’ve never been able to get it [until now], but a lot of great teammates along the way.”