As the anticipation builds in Boston’s TD Garden, the stage is set for a thrilling showdown between the top-seeded Boston Celtics and the eighth-seeded Miami Heat in the 2024 NBA Playoffs.
It’s Game Day 1, and the air is electric with the promise of an intense battle on the hardwood. The Celtics, led by the dynamic duo of Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown, are looking to capitalize on their home-court advantage and take the lead in this first-round series. Meanwhile, the Jimmy Butler-less Heat, with Bam Adebayo at the helm, are determined to upset the odds and steal the opening game away from home. With both teams boasting a mix of seasoned veterans and young talent, this series is poised to be a captivating clash of strategy, skill, and sheer willpower.
I had the chance to talk to Celtics veteran Al Horford in the locker room, as he prepared for the high-stakes Game 1. With years of experience and a reputation for clutch performances, Horford is no stranger to the pressure and excitement that come with playoff basketball.
Aurelia Rieke:
“Hey Al, seeing how the last series against Miami endet, is this now kind of a better situation for you, to show that you can do better, or does that even bring a litte more pressure to the series?”
Al Horford:
“I think for me, obviously last year was disappointing. I feel like we left that behind us. This season has been really good for us.
And I’m just excited to play at this point. Waiting for so many days, finally to be in this position. That’s a team which is very tough over there, and I’m just excited to finally go out. Pressure wise, I actually welcome that. I enjoy it and I feel pretty grateful to be in this position.”
Aurelia:
“Would you say because you have so much experience, you feel more used to being in that position and also because you were already with the Celtics before. Coming back again with a job that’s not done yet.”
AI:
“Yeah, no question. I think I’m used being in this type of environment. I think that does help, but also, yes, this is a new year. We want to make sure we are focused on this and we want to do well and it starts with taking care of that game tonight.”
Aurelia:
“I’m kind of thinking, you maybe don’t know how much longer you will play and every year is so precious… is that something that goes through your mind? How you want to end your career? Do you feel like, I really want to try to get this Championship?! Do you therefore have a different approach when you think about the time you were younger. Did it change?”
Al:
“The mindset is different, and the way I play now. Everything that I do is to give God the glory. I just want to do great by that. Every time I’m out here performing and playing. I think that I’m put in that position to be great and to show what I can do and to be in a team, that is really a team. It’s something that I wanna accomplish and cherish. I’m very grateful to be in this position. And to your point, yes I’m going to focus on this series, I want to go get it now, I want to get it here, we have that great chance.”
Aurelia:
“One last question. You guys had a longer break now, while Miami had do go through 2 play in tournament games. Would you say that puts you in a better position because you more rested, or is it even a little harder to find rhythm right away?”
Al:
“Yeah, I think it’s a litte different to have such a long break, but I feel like our group is ready. I feel like we’re prepared for this position and I expect us to go out and be ready to go.”
