Boston Celtics big man Al Horford had a delightful moment toward the end of his best game of the season thus far.
Horford, who made an appearance in the starting lineup as Kristaps Porzingis missed the game due to injury, finished the appearance recording 14 points as well as eight rebounds and five blocks.
He was 4-of-8 (50.0 percent) beyond the arc, which was especially crucial for Boston. After one of his 3-pointers late in the game, Horford seemed to blow a kiss goodnight toward someone.
This may be the interaction Al Horford was talking about with 76ers fans.
Nothing like a goodnight kiss.
pic.twitter.com/MPVpoQWoo9 https://t.co/3PmxtYLpKz— Jack Simone (@JackSimoneNBA) November 16, 2023
While some fans thought the gesture was directed at Joel Embiid, Horford added some more context about what happened (via Jack Simone):
“There were some fans in the front row talking. And I just love it, man. When I hear that talking, it just gives you a little extra. So, I appreciate them. They always do that in that corner here in Philly… Some people go off in a different way, but to me, I like it.”
The veteran played one season with the 76ers in 2019-20 before he was eventually traded in a salary dump to the Thunder. The five-time All-Star returned to the Celtics in 2021.
Horford also blew a kiss to his home crowd at the TD Garden in Boston during the 2022 NBA Finals.
His sister, Anna, has had a rocky relationship with the 76ers fanbase. After the game, she tweeted “Goodnight, Philadelphia” with a green heart and a GIF of her brother’s gesture from that game.