SAN FRANCISCO – Al Horford and Kristaps Porzingis find themselves teammates once again, this time with the Golden State Warriors, a scenario neither would have imagined during their successful stint with the Boston Celtics. Now preparing to face their old team, the two players are anticipating an emotionally charged moment as they return to the city where they won an NBA championship just two years ago.
Porzingis reflected on the unlikely reunion, saying,
“If somebody said while we’re in Boston, that this was going to be the scenario, who would believe this? But this is how it works out. And obviously, you know, we expected Boston to have some changes with the money stuff. But yeah, it’s gonna be weird, especially this first game back against Boston.”
His words captured the surprise and complexity of facing a former team that holds a special place in their hearts.
Horford’s Anticipation Ahead of Facing Former Celtics Teammates
After the Warriors completed their first full scrimmage since the All-Star break, Al Horford shared his excitement about reconnecting with former Celtics teammates and coaches. The emotional significance extends beyond himself, including his family.
Horford explained,
“For me, it’s a lot of excitement. And, you know, my son Ian’s been raving about seeing a lot of the guys and seeing a lot of the coaches. The whole thing is just, you know, it’ll be cool… It’s been different for us, but it’s been good. It’s been good for him, and it’s been good for us as a family.”
This reunion reflects how much Boston meant to both players and how their legacy lives on through personal and professional ties.
Boston Celtics’ Performance Following Horford and Porzingis’ Departure
Since Horford and Porzingis left, the Celtics have been expected to undergo a challenging rebuilding phase. With star player Jayson Tatum recovering from a torn Achilles, the team trading Porzingis and Jrue Holiday to reduce salary commitments, and the veteran Horford signing elsewhere, many assumed Boston’s season would be a setback. Instead, the Celtics have maintained a strong performance, holding a 35-19 record and ranking second in the Eastern Conference, defying many analysts’ predictions of a decline.
Horford was asked if the Celtics’ success has surprised him, to which he replied,
“No, because of Joe [Mazzulla] and the culture that has been established in Boston. Probably the most surprising part has been the growth of Mimi [Neemias Queta] and Jordan Walsh. They have really taken huge steps in their development, and how they’re playing and how they’re impacting winning.”
With Tatum sidelined, Jaylen Brown has taken the reins as Boston’s leading scorer, averaging a career-high 29.3 points per game. Meanwhile, the younger players like Queta, Walsh, Payton Pritchard, Baylor Scheierman, and Luka Garza have become critical in filling the void left by departing veterans. These emerging talents have played significant roles in keeping the Celtics competitive throughout the season.
Horford also stressed the consistency of Boston’s winning mindset, stating,
“But overall, it is kind of expected. I just think that Brad [Stevens] and Joe have done such a good job over there. And it’s something that’s consistent, so I am not surprised.”
Reflecting on a Meaningful Celtics Connection
For Horford and Porzingis, the upcoming game against Boston holds deep emotional value. Their time with the Celtics was marked by high expectations and a championship victory, and both have expressed affection for the city, the team, and its legacy. Porzingis described his experience, saying,
“I knew… going to Boston. It was going to be like championship expectations. It’s something every player strives [for], to be in that position… and we did it once. The second year didn’t work out perfectly, but yeah, we had our time out there and enjoyed every moment of it. And at the end, we accomplished the big objective.”
He continued,
“And you know how much I love playing there. Just everything. The organization, the front office, playing in the TD Garden, the floor, the color. It’s an iconic franchise, so it will always be a part of my memory as a special time.”
Looking Ahead to the Season’s Remaining Matchups
This first reunion in San Francisco is only part one, as the Warriors will face the Celtics again later in Boston, where the returning players will encounter passionate fans eager to witness their former stars in action. Porzingis, who has been rehabbing Achilles tendonitis during the break, is listed as questionable for the upcoming game but remains hopeful about participating.
Horford summed up the meaning of the reunion by saying,
“It’s exciting for me, just from the standpoint that I used to see a lot of people that I care about and will compete on the court, and that goes on. And then, after being able to catch up in a way with a lot of people. It’s just very special to me.”
Significance of the Reunion and Its Broader Impact
The Celtics reunion with Horford and Porzingis encapsulates more than a game; it symbolizes a reconnection with a shared past marked by success, growth, and camaraderie. Their journey from Boston to Golden State embodies the unpredictable nature of professional basketball careers. For the Celtics, maintaining a strong culture amid roster changes reiterates their status as one of the NBA’s most resilient franchises. For fans and players alike, the forthcoming meetings promise intense competition underscored by personal stories and heartfelt emotions, emphasizing the deep bonds forged through the sport.
Kristaps Porzingis on him and Al Horford finding themselves together again, now on the Warriors.
“Yeah, if somebody said, while we were in Boston, that this was going to be the scenario… who would believe this?” https://t.co/dqoliWAHz7
— Kenzo Fukuda (@kenzofuku) February 19, 2026
Al Horford talked about what it’ll be like to face his old Boston Celtics tomorrow tonight:
“It’s a lot of excitement. My son Ian's been raving about, seeing a lot of the guys and seeing a lot of the coaches.”
Emphasized he’s not surprised about their success this season. pic.twitter.com/LjdZPwIjmK
— Kenzo Fukuda (@kenzofuku) February 19, 2026
