Golden State Welcomes Horford and Porzingis: A Reunion with Boston Roots
SAN FRANCISCO - Imagine telling Al Horford and Kristaps Porzingis during their championship run with the Boston Celtics that they'd soon be suiting up for the Golden State Warriors. It would have seemed like a wild plot twist, yet here they are, gearing up for a new chapter in the Bay Area.
Porzingis reflected on the unexpected journey, saying, “If somebody said while we were in Boston that this was going to be the scenario, who would believe this? But this is how it works out.” The duo’s first game back against Boston is bound to be surreal, given their deep connections to the city and the team they led to an NBA title just two years ago.
Horford, after a Warriors scrimmage, shared his excitement about reuniting with former teammates and coaches. “For me, it's a lot of excitement,” he said.
His son, Ian, is particularly eager to reconnect with familiar faces. “It’s been different for us, but it’s been good,” Horford added, emphasizing the positive impact of their move on his family.
The Celtics, meanwhile, have defied expectations this season. Despite losing key players like Porzingis and Horford, and with Jayson Tatum sidelined by injury, Boston sits comfortably at 35-19, holding second place in the Eastern Conference. This resilience might surprise analysts, but not Horford.
“No,” he stated when asked if Boston’s success was unexpected. He credits coach Joe Mazzulla and the culture in Boston, highlighting the impressive development of young talents like Neemias Queta and Jordan Walsh. With Jaylen Brown stepping up as a leading scorer, averaging 29.3 points per game, Boston’s depth has become a formidable force.
Al Horford talked about what it’ll be like to face his old Boston Celtics tomorrow tonight:
— Kenzo Fukuda (@kenzofuku) February 19, 2026
“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
Horford praised the Celtics’ consistent winning mentality, noting, “Brad [Stevens] and Joe have done such a good job over there.”
Reunions in the NBA can be hit or miss, but for Horford and Porzingis, their return to face the Celtics is filled with heartfelt anticipation. Porzingis fondly recalled his time in Boston, embracing the championship expectations and cherishing the memories made at TD Garden.
“The organization, the front office, playing in the TD Garden, the floor, the color. It’s an iconic franchise,” he reminisced.
As the Warriors prepare to face Boston, there’s a chance this game could mark Porzingis’ debut in a Golden State uniform, though he’s still listed as questionable. Regardless, the excitement is palpable.
Horford summed it up best: “It’s exciting for me, just from the standpoint that I get to see a lot of people that I care about and will compete on the court. It’s just very special to me.”
This matchup is just the beginning, as the Warriors will travel to Boston later in the season, promising more emotional reunions and competitive fire.