Al Horford goes off in Game 1 of Finals; NBA world reacts

It’s never too late to make a great first impression. Boston Celtics big man Al Horford proved that in Game 1 of the NBA Finals on Thursday.

After years of frustration and close calls, Horford made his debut in Game 1 of the NBA Finals against the Golden State Warriors. He had a solid first three quarters, scoring 15 points. But it seemed like it would come in a losing effort, as the Celtics trailed the Warriors 92-80. But Boston flipped the script in the fourth quarter, outscoring Golden State 40-16 to come away with a 120-108 win. Horford was the catalyst.

Horford finished the fourth quarter with 11 points. His 26 total points led Boston and were second overall, only to Steph Curry, who had 34. Additionally, Horford drained six three-pointers. That’s a record for a player making his NBA Finals debut. For context, Golden State’s Splash Brothers — Curry and Klay Thompson — combined for five made three-pointers in their NBA Finals debut.

The six threes are also the most Horford has made in any game in his career, regular season or playoffs.

Regardless of who one may be cheering for in the NBA Finals, Horford is undeniably a sentimental favorite. NBA players and fans paid tribute to his performance.

Indeed, Horford was highly efficient. He was 9-for-12 from the field and 6-for-8 on three-point attempts.

Game 1 was also played the day before Horford’s 36th birthday. We’d say that he gave himself a fine early birthday present.

[ESPN]