Al Horford’s Return to Boston: A Night of Mixed Emotions and Championship Memories
SAN FRANCISCO – It’s a strange feeling. Different. That’s how Thursday night’s matchup between the Celtics and Warriors is being described, as Al Horford and Kristaps Porzingis – two key figures in a Boston team that achieved a remarkable 147-47 record over the past two seasons (including playoffs) and finally hoisted Banner 18 in 2024 – prepare to welcome their former teammates as visitors.
“Weird. If someone had told me while I was in Boston that this would be the scenario, who would have believed it?” Porzingis said, making his Warriors debut. “But that’s how it works. It all works out. We anticipated some changes in Boston due to financial considerations, but it’s definitely going to be strange, especially playing against Boston for the first time. It will be great to see everyone again.” Payton Pritchard echoed this sentiment, adding, “It will definitely be different, and I’m looking forward to competing against them. I enjoy playing against people I know, especially former teammates. It’s just competitive.”
Al Horford’s Legacy in Boston
Horford’s impact on Boston spanned two stints (2016–19, 2021–25) and a total of seven seasons. He participated in 584 regular-season and playoff games, ranking 25th in franchise history. His 391 wins also place him 25th all-time. In the postseason, Horford appeared in 119 games (12th-most in franchise history) and contributed to 72 wins, tying him with Jayson Tatum and Paul Pierce for eighth all-time. Beyond his on-court contributions, Horford was a foundational voice in the locker room – steady, respected, and trusted by both coaches and teammates.
“Unbelievable vet. Great teammate. Obviously, an unbelievable player,” Pritchard said. “I learned a lot from how he approaches his daily routine and how he’s sustained such a long career in the league.”
A Personal Return for Horford
Thursday night holds personal significance for Horford beyond basketball. He expressed his excitement about reconnecting with familiar faces, stating, “It’s exciting for me, just from the standpoint of seeing a lot of people I care about. We’ll compete on the court, and that’s part of it, but afterward, I’ll have the chance to catch up with many people.” He continued, “It’s very special to me. My son, Ian, has been eager to see many of the guys and coaches. It will be cool to see everyone.”
Porzingis Reflects on His Time in Boston
Porzingis also left a lasting impression on the organization. Over two seasons, the 7-foot-2 center averaged 19.8 points on 50.2% shooting (39.2% from three), along with 7.0 rebounds, 2.0 assists, and 1.8 blocks per game. His ability to stretch the floor and create mismatches added a new dimension to the Celtics’ offense. “He made the game easy with his scoring ability and height. He created mismatches, and we benefited from that,” Pritchard said. “I enjoyed being his teammate. He’s a great person, and I miss seeing him every day.”
Looking back, Porzingis described his time in Boston as “special.” “I knew going to Boston meant championship expectations. It wasn’t going to be easy. Immediately, Al and I talked about the pressure of playing for such a historic franchise. We felt those expectations, especially given how good the team was. We knew we had to deliver, or it would be a failure. Every player wants to be in that position. We had the chance, and we did it once. The second year didn’t go as planned, but we enjoyed our time there and ultimately achieved the main objective. I loved playing there – the organization, the front office, playing at TD Garden… it’s an iconic franchise that will always hold a special place in my memory.”
Celtics’ Continued Success
The Celtics arrive at Chase Center with a 35-19 record, holding sole possession of second place in the Eastern Conference. They are tied for the fourth-most wins in the league and need just a 15-13 finish to reach 50 wins. Many didn’t expect this success after an offseason that saw five of the team’s top nine minute-getters depart. However, Horford isn’t surprised, citing Joe Mazzulla and the established culture in Boston. “No, because of Joe and the culture that has been established in Boston,” he said. “The most surprising part has been the growth of Neemi and Jordan Walsh. They have really taken huge steps in their development and are impacting winning. Overall, it’s kind of expected, but Brad and Joe have done such a good job, and it’s consistent. So I am not surprised.”
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