Celtics star Jaylen Brown shares heartwarming moment with Al Horford after Finals berth

The Celtics are headed to the NBA Finals, and all the feels are coming out between Jaylen Brown and Al Horford.

Horford had a long road back to Boston, but he’s where he belongs and playing better than anyone could’ve imagined. Brown couldn’t be happier to have him along for the ride, as the Celtics star forward detailed after the team’s Game 7 victory over the Miami Heat.

"Nobody deserves it more than this guy on my right… I'm proud to be able to share this moment with a veteran, a mentor, a brother, a guy like Al Horford…"

Jaylen Brown shares his admiration for Al Horford. pic.twitter.com/ecUqCycjeR

— NBA (@NBA) May 30, 2022

“Nobody deserves it more than this guy on my right,” Brown said, sitting next to the former Florida star. “I’m proud to be able to share this moment with a veteran, a mentor, a brother, a guy like Al Horford.”

After beginning his career with the Atlanta Hawks, Horford left for the Celtics in 2016. After some phenomenal seasons in green, the center left for the Philadelphia 76ers in 2019 — but his time with the franchise didn’t go according to plan. After the Celtics rival shipped Horford to Oklahoma City, Boston made a move to get him from the Thunder. Now, he’s been a huge piece of their run back to the NBA Finals.

It was always the plan for Al Horford to get the Celtics to the NBA Finals — it just took a lot more twists and turns than anyone could’ve ever imagined. Nevertheless, the impact he had on Boston’s young stars, like Jaylen Brown, is undeniable.

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Moreover, the Celtics were able to go into Miami and end the season for the Heat in Game 7. Behind 26 points from star forward Jayson Tatum, Boston advanced to a date with the Golden State Warriors in the NBA Finals.

The Heat had their chances, as Jimmy Butler lined up a wide-open three that would’ve given Miami the lead with little time remaining. However, the shot was short, as an exhausted and exasperated Butler watched as the basketball hit the rim.

Meanwhile, the Warriors spent their Memorial Day Weekend resting — Golden State has been waiting to see who they would play since they defeated the Dallas Mavericks in five games. It’ll be a tall task for the Celtics to defeat the monster out West, but Tatum and company are up to the challenge.

Undoubtably, it’ll be an exciting series between Golden State and Boston. Game 1 of the NBA Finals will take place on Thursday, June 2 at 9:00 p.m. ET from the Chase Center.