In a post‑game interview with NBCS Boston, Al Horford reflects on the Celtics’ 2024 NBA Finals victory. He credits the team’s collective sacrifice—highlighting his own decision to come off the bench after Kristaps Porziņģis joined—and the unwavering consistency that defined their season. Horford explains how a disciplined training routine, developed with trainer Pat Chase and the Boston weight‑room staff, became a lifestyle rather than a short‑term goal. He emphasizes a championship mindset focused on impacting winning whenever called upon, and he celebrates the support among teammates, especially praising a fellow player’s resilience despite injuries. The conversation also touches on personal moments, such as celebrating with his son, underscoring the blend of professional dedication and personal fulfillment that drove the title run.
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Al Horford, man, what a drought, but you got it done. You won before in college, but man, you've been there so many times. How is it different this year?
Man, it all started with us, with JT, you know, him making a commitment to sacrifice for our group. JB as well, and everybody followed suit from there. It's just so special for us to come out here, get to work, be consistent. We've been so consistent all year. That's been our key, in our work, in our foundation. It just feels really good, man. This is so special.
You talk about sacrifice. You took a sacrifice, right? Porzingis came in, you coming off the bench and things like that. You haven't won a championship. You understood that, okay, whatever it takes, if your starters or if your leaders can do that, you can do it easily, right? And so let me say this, number one, I'm so happy to see your son here. I was able to celebrate with my son, so that's a fantastic thing right there. But just talk about that sacrifice. What went through your head at that point when they were like, okay, you gotta take a step back back. Did you at one point think like, why, what they talk about? Or do you say, I'm finna do this?
No, no, I understood what's in front of it. I understood that we had so much talent and I knew that it was the right thing for our team to do. It wasn't easy, but I understood that that was what needed to be done. And that's why I always stayed ready. When my number was called, I was like, I just gotta impact winning. That's what I've been all about in my career. It's like, man, I gotta impact winning whatever I can do. And I had to change it and I just had to stay ready. I just continued staying with my work and trusted Joe. And just went from there.
You know, I've always seen you in the weight room beforehand working out. So do you, when you're doing those things, are you driving just for the championship or are you doing your work, you know, like at one point is to be an effective player and then it's like to stay in the league? Did it ever change for you recently?
I think the last couple years it has. When I came back to Boston the second time, man, me and Pat Chase, my trainer here, has really helped me to be in a better place position, really develop a routine more consistent, getting in the weight room with the training staff, Jay Stellany and that group over there. So really be more committed to my pregame and my prepractice and all those things and just staying consistent with it. And yeah, you shoot for a championship, but it almost becomes like a lifestyle. You know what I'm saying? Like, that's who I want to be. That's how I feel. I don't feel good if I'm not doing the things I need to do. So that's what it is.
There you go, man.
How much heart in this guy? Oh, for real.
That's unbelievable.
Come here, champ. I didn't get a I wanna hug, dog.
Come on now.
How about we just support each other?
Champ, man.
Come on, baby.
We did it, man. It was unbelievable. I'm here to support him, to be there for him. You deserve it more than anybody. And I'm just proud of him. I'm just proud of him because it's not easy dealing with this adversity and coming through, not being 100% healthy. Nobody was gonna keep him out of this game tonight.
