This is a record in the history of the Big League and the Playoffs: Al Horford has played 140 games in postseason, without ever reaching the Finals in his career. Tonight is therefore the time for the pivot to sweep away this stat, which is certainly the proof of a very good longevity but which nevertheless leaves quite a mark on the player’s CV.
Al Horford is a fantastic basketball player. For those who doubted the Dominican interior, his 2022 Playoffs campaign undoubtedly dotted the i’s. At almost 36 years old (he will be at the beginning of June), the pivot is a key element in the success of the Celtics in the spring. Relentless defense on the opposing hunk, offensive versatility allowing him to bring in many registers ranging from painting to parking… Boston’s handyman, it’s him in fact. And his career is also rich in appearances in postseasona symbol of its effectiveness recognized by staff with serious sporting ambitions. Since 2007-08 and his first in the Playoffs with the Hawks, the guy has played no less than 140 games after April. Only, his team has never been able to afford the NBA Finals to reward what is now the work of a career. Tonight, he once again has the opportunity to break that sort of curse with the C’s. As a reminder, Al has come within three times of the final duel: in 2015 with the Hawks, in 2017 and 2018 with the Celtics. Each time, the person responsible for these eliminations was called LeBron James. Too unplayable in Cleveland, the King has each time stuffed Horford and his troop… a bit like the definition of a nemesis.
Al Horford in last nights lost made history:
He played 140 playoff games, and had no finals appearances!
Most games in the playoffs of all time without a finals appearance!
Wild! pic.twitter.com/fMDa767WU5
— Basketball Muse (@Basketball_Muse) May 28, 2022
Besides, Jimmy Butler’s LeBronesque performance on Friday night had to give him a headache. Carried away by the soaring number 22 in Florida, AH and his band wasted a great opportunity. Be careful not to bite your fingers eh, because as mentioned above… Horford has almost 36 years. Not that we want to bury him too quickly, quite the contrary, but we have to be logical: the pivot’s career is largely behind him. There won’t be a host of opportunities in the few years left to play for Mr. Al. Tonight is therefore the big night, as the saying goes. It will be necessary to brave the scorching atmosphere of the FTX Arena and its fans who will obviously be overexcited, but the Celtics have already proven this season that they could emerge victorious from a Game 7. For that, Horford will have to make all his experience and his experience. More than a game to finally reach the annual high mass, the one that the big Al has been waiting for a long time.
140 Playoff games without the NBA Finals and an opportunity to change everything tonight for Al Horford. Beyond the interior, everyone will have to contribute to the building on the Boston side to counter the Heat of a Jimmy Butler, no doubt motivated by the idea of extinguishing the Celtics in Miami. Who will go to the Final? The answer at 2:30.
