Celtics’ center Al Horford finally makes it to Finals

Al Horford is in the NBA Finals after playing in more postseason games than anybody else in NBA history.

After Boston’s Game 7 victory over Miami on Sunday, the Celtics’ veteran center had gone 141 playoff games without making it past the conference finals, a league record that was finally broken.

Horford was overtaken by the long-awaited moment when the final buzzer rang. The 15-year veteran dropped to the court and yelled a few times before rising and being greeted by Celtics teammates and staff.

Since being picked third overall by Atlanta in 2007, the five-time All-Star has only missed the playoffs twice, losing one series each time with the Hawks (once) and Celtics (twice).

Horford agreed, “It’s been a fantastic journey.” “There have been a lot of battles.” Obviously, I’ve never been able to get it [until now], but I’ve had a lot of fantastic colleagues who have helped me along the road.”

Last offseason, Boston re-acquired Horford through trade, and the 35-year-old’s defense size, and leadership proved to be just what the team needed to return to the Finals for the first time since 2010.

“It gave us a sense of assurance when he came back,” Celtics guard Marcus Smart said. “He’s a selfless person.”

“”Al is unconcerned about the stats. He is concerned with his team’s success.”

“No one on my right deserves it more than this guy,” Celtics forward Jaylen Brown added.

“I’m honoured to be able to share this moment with a veteran, a mentor, a brother, a man like Al Horford, man,” he said.

Horford not only ends his own Finals drought, but he also becomes the first player from the Dominican Republic to play in the Finals, an accomplishment he joyfully celebrated while vacillating between Spanish and English when asked about it.

“We’re pretty close to D.R. here in Miami,” Horford explained.

“I know my family is content. Everyone is smiling, and everyone is watching. The entire country was watching, and I’m sure everyone was there.”

“They were photographing me and emailing them to me. They were prepared for it. We’re having a good time with this one.”