• Al Horford says the NBA trade deadline created tension but the Warriors are refocused for the season’s final stretch.
  • Horford praises Kristaps Porziņģis’ rim protection and scoring as a strong fit for Golden State.
  • The 39-year-old veteran is finding form with multiple recent double-figure games and steady leadership.
  • Horford will attend the Super Bowl and says he’s rooting for the New England Patriots.

Deadline stress, then steady focus

LOS ANGELES — Al Horford admitted the days leading up to the NBA trade deadline were tense. The 39-year-old veteran, in his 18th NBA season, said the Luka Dončić trade was a turning point: “Once that happens, you feel like you’ve seen it all.” That drama didn’t derail the Warriors; instead, Horford said the team has returned to a renewed sense of focus as it prepares for the final 30 games of the regular season.

Horford described the week as stressful but professional. “There’s a human aspect to it,” he said, stressing that players tried to handle the uncertainty the best they could. With the deadline behind them, Golden State hopes to regain its rhythm.

Why Porziņģis could fit

Horford was bullish on the Warriors’ addition of Kristaps Porziņģis. He highlighted Porziņģis’ length and two-way skill set — scoring from the perimeter and protecting the rim — as features that match Golden State’s style.

“I just think it’s his ability to score and protect the rim,” Horford said. “With him being as tall as he is and the way we play defense, his presence… ” He left little doubt the veteran center sees Porziņģis as someone who can immediately impact both ends of the floor.

Playing with Stephen Curry: an inside view

Sharing the court with Stephen Curry has been a highlight for Horford this season. The center — who has recently scored in double figures in four of five games — praised Curry’s leadership and how his game opens opportunities for teammates.

Horford’s role remains steady: provide defense, spacing and veteran calm. That presence has been particularly valuable given the roster changes and injuries the Warriors have managed this season.

Championship mindset, day by day

Horford emphasized the importance of short-term improvement over long-shot outcomes. “You can’t win a championship in February,” he said, urging teammates to focus on daily growth and a new team identity after roster shifts and injuries.

He acknowledged the uncertainty that comes with midseason moves but insisted his approach is to control what he can and help younger players step up.

Off-court: Super Bowl plans and an unexpected rooting interest

Off the hardwood, Horford revealed he’ll be attending the Super Bowl and is surprisingly pulling for the New England Patriots. The detail added a lighter note to an otherwise serious conversation about team health and chemistry.

What’s next

The Warriors, buoyed by the deadline’s conclusion, aim to translate renewed concentration into wins. For Al Horford, the season remains about steady contributions, leadership and helping Golden State shape a new identity as it pushes toward the playoffs.

Image Referance: https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/7028746/2026/02/07/al-horford-trade-deadline-kristaps-porzingis-steph-curry/