SAN FRANCISCO — Al Horford checked into Thursday’s game midway through the first quarter. Then Kristaps Porzingis followed, checking in at the start of the second quarter. It was the first time the Celtics played against a pair of former teammates in Porzingis and Horford, who are now with the Warriors.
There were some wholesome moments Thursday that showed the bonds created from winning the 2024 NBA championship together. C’s coach Joe Mazzulla gave Horford and his son, Ean, hugs after the Celtics beat the Warriors. Porzingis and Payton Pritchard got into an extended jump ball, smiling after the moment.
“Those guys helped us win a championship in 2024,” Brown said in his walk-off interview with Amazon Prime. “No better way to respect them than giving them the belt tonight.”
Horford signed with the Warriors during the offseason, leaving the Celtics as a free agent. Porzingis was originally traded to the Hawks, but he was moved to the Warriors at the trade deadline. So the two former Celtics big men were reunited in Golden State. Porzingis even made his Warriors debut Thursday against his former team.
“Definitely fun,” Pritchard said. “Was looking forward to it. It’s always fun playing against ex-teammates and going to battle with them.”
It was the first time both players faced off against the Celtics since their departures. It’s just that it happened to be at the same time. The C’s were up by as many as 34 points Thursday on the Warriors, though Golden State rallied in the second half to put pressure on Boston. Still, it ended up as a Celtics victory to get to 36-19.
“It’s just basketball,” Brown said. “I played with those guys, miss those guys, practiced with those guys for a long time. I always wish them well, hope their families is doing good. We came out and did what we’re supposed to do. Could’ve finished the game a little bit better, but I thought that was a good victory.”