In Photos: Former Miss Universe Amelia Vega shares celebration pics of her "campeón" Al Horford after Celtics veteran wins first NBA title
Al Horford won his first NBA title on Monday, as his Boston Celtics defeated the Dallas Mavericks 4-1 in this year's finals. Afterward, the veteran center's wife, singer and former Miss Universe Amelia Vega, shared photos of their family's victory celebration.
Vega, who became the Dominican Republic's first Miss Universe in 2003, has been with Horford since 2009, with the couple having been married since 2011. So, she has been by the big man's side throughout most of his 17-year career.
21 years after Vega's historic Miss Universe victory, her husband joined her in their country's history books. With Monday's 106-88 Game 5 finals home win, Horford became the first Dominican player to win an NBA championship.
On Tuesday, Vega shared an Instagram carousel featuring herself, Horford and their five children's title celebration. In a Spanish caption, she congratulated her "campeón."
"To God be the glory and honor! Congratulations, my champion," Vega's message translates to English.
Vega also told Andscape on Monday she hoped her husband's championship would inspire the next generation of Dominican hoopers.
“Everyone is very proud of him in the Dominican Republic," Vega said. "Seeing the support, it’s huge. And I know we’re going to see a big generation of Dominican basketball players coming after this soon, hopefully.”
Al Horford is no longer the star-caliber player he was during his prime when he was selected to five All-Star teams. Nonetheless, he still played a vital role as a savvy veteran stretch five in his second finals appearance.
Over five contests, all starts, he averaged 7.0 points, 6.2 rebounds, 2.6 assists, 1.2 steals, 0.6 blocks and 1.6 3-pointers per game on 52.0% shooting.
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Al Horford on winning first NBA title at age 38
With his first championship, Al Horford became tied as the NBA's fourth-oldest champion at 38 years and 14 days old. He did so in his 186th career playoff game, the most of any player before winning their first title.
Thus, Horford removed his name from the undesirable list of players who have played the most postseason contests without winning a ring. Before Monday, he ranked second, trailing only Utah Jazz legend Karl Malone (193 games).
After finally getting over the hump, Horford touched on the significance of his accomplishment.
“It means everything. It’s special,” Horford told Andscape on Monday. "... My age is the bigger testimony for me. To be able to compete and play at this high level, I just feel very blessed.”
Horford now has a prime opportunity to ride off into the sunset. However, according to Celtics owner Wyc Grousbeck, he expects the big man to play at least one more year.
"Al is coming back for next year,” Grousbeck said Tuesday on "The Greg Hill Show." "That’s what I’ve been told. He loves it here. He and his family love it here. He couldn’t be happier, and we are also happy to have him."
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