• Loading stock data...
Friday, July 11, 2025

Horford’s ‘Green’ Celtics Stunned Warriors in Game 1

  • Horford scored a team-high 26 points and knocked down a Finals debut record six three-pointers in the victory.
  • He will earn $7 million in incentives if the Celtics win the title.
Darren Yamashita-USA TODAY Sports

Entering Game 1 of the NBA Finals, the Warriors had played a collective 123 games in the title series — the Celtics zero. So much for experience.

The C’s green (pun intended) squad stunned Golden State on the road to take a 1-0 lead, led by 15-year veteran Al Horford, who scored 26 points and knocked down a career-high six threes on eight attempts, the most in a Finals debut.

Frustrated in the playoffs during his first stint in Boston, Horford is now three wins from his first ring — and an extra $12 million.

  • Horford will earn $7M in incentives if the C’s win the title.
  • His $14.5M salary rose to $19.5M for winning the Eastern Conference Finals.
  • Overall, Horford has the potential to earn a guaranteed $26.5M next year — which will be Boston’s third-highest salary.

First-year GM Brad Stevens, who coached Horford from 2016-19, took a calculated risk by bringing him back in exchange for former All-Star Kemba Walker — and it’s paying off in what his front-office predecessor Danny Ainge called a game-changing move.

And Horford’s defense made a major contribution to a final frame in which Boston held GS to 16 points — the most lopsided fourth quarter in Finals history. He’s leading the postseason in shots contested and FG% allowed. 

The Celtics are now favorites (-190) to win it all after entering the series as underdogs (+130).

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

Shai

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander Becomes NBA’s First $70 Million Player

The superstar could’ve waited for an even bigger deal next year.

NBA Finals Game 7 Is Most-Watched Since 2019, but Series Drops 9%

Game 7 drew 16.35 million viewers, the most-watched NBA game since 2019.

NBA Conference Gap Wider Than Ever Amid Injuries to East’s Best

A team from the West has won the NBA title 17 times since 2000.

Featured Today

Rimouski, QC - JUNE 1: Final Game of the 2025 Memorial Cup between the Medicine Hats Tigers and the London Knights on June 1, 2025, at the Colisée Financière Sun Life in Rimouski, Qc.

CHL Is Facing a ‘Pandora’s Box’ of Questions Amid NCAA Talent Departure

As players defect to college, the Canadian Hockey League won’t cede ground.
Jun 28, 2025; Arlington, Texas, USA; Seattle Mariners catcher Cal Raleigh (29) bats during the game between the Texas Rangers and the Seattle Mariners at Globe Life Field.
July 9, 2025

The Torpedo Bat Business Is Still Going Strong: ‘Here to Stay’

Demand for the oddly shaped bats has stayed strong across the sport.
July 6, 2025

American Celebs Want to Be Sports Owners. Soccer Is Where They Start

As U.S. team prices climb, investors set their sights abroad.
July 5, 2025

Baseball’s Celebrity Row: Behind MLB’s First-Pitch Ritual

Often planned, sometimes spontaneous, the ritual throw is baseball’s celebrity row.

Jalen Williams Signs Max Deal As Thunder Commit $822M to 3 Stars

Oklahoma City also extended Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Chet Holmgren.
July 10, 2025

Suns All In on Booker, Who Signs Record Extension Amidst Chaos

The Suns changed their head coach for the fourth time in four years.
Hall of Fame Open at the International Tennis Hall of Fame, Newport.
July 10, 2025

Andy Roddick Slams Billionaire Bill Ackman’s Pro Tennis Gambit

“This was the biggest joke I’ve ever watched in professional tennis.”
Sponsored

Game On: Portfolio Players Stories, Brought to You by E*TRADE from Morgan Stanley

Dealmaker Jeffrey Kaplan maps the evolution of sports as an asset class
Jul 10, 2025; Wimbledon, United Kingdom; Amanda Anisimova of the United States celebrates winning her match against Aryna Sabalenka on day 11 at All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club.
July 10, 2025

Amanda Anisimova Stuns Sabalenka to Reach Wimbledon Final, Clinches $2M

The American’s Wimbledon run will continue with her first major final.
Apr 9, 2025; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Bulls guard Josh Giddey (3) defends Miami Heat guard Davion Mitchell (45) during the second half at United Center.
July 9, 2025

Why Are the NBA’s Biggest Restricted Free Agents Still Unsigned?

Draymond Green said the new CBA is responsible for ending free agency.
July 9, 2025

Jokić Declined a Contract Extension, but the Nuggets Shouldn’t Panic

Jokić still has three years remaining on his current contract.
Jul 1, 2025; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Pirates starting pitcher Paul Skenes (30) pitches against the St. Louis Cardinals during the third inning at PNC Park.
July 8, 2025

MLB ASG Missing Many Highly Paid Stars, Clearing Path for Youth

Many of MLB’s top earners are not part of the Midsummer Classic.