Al Horford Responds to Criticism for Missing Game

Boston Celtics big man Al Horford, responding to criticism for missing Monday night’s game in Miami after the birth of his second child, said Tuesday that he felt it was important to be there for his family.

“My family’s very important to me,” said Horford, who welcomed daughter Alia on Sunday. “I’m in more of a unique situation because this is our first year [in Boston] and my wife, we all moved in the middle of the pregnancy. And [there is] a lot going on. So I just felt like it was important for me to really be there, supporting her. And we have a son as well. So for her, it’s been a lot thrown at her these past few months.

“I know that it meant a lot for me to be there with her. … So I’m just very happy that the Celtics really take the time and they consider us not only as players but as people. And people that have families.”

Source: Chris Forsberg of ESPN