Al Horford and the Celtics earned a Game 7 conference semifinal win vs. Milwaukee on Sunday.
Photo By: Winslow Townson-USA TODAY Sports
The Gators are represented on all four NBA conference finalists.
Though four teams remain in contention heading into the NBA conference finals, one outcome is assured: a Gator will bring home an NBA championship ring in 2022.
Florida is represented on each of the four conference finalists. Al Horford's Celtics and Dorian Finney-Smith's Mavericks each notched a Game 7 victory in conference semifinal action on Sunday, advancing along with Udonis Haslem's Heat and Chris Chiozza's Warriors.
Horford exploded for a playoff career-best 30 points in the Celtics' Game 4 win at Milwaukee, which came on the heels of a 22-point, 16-rebound outing in Game 3. Horford makes his fourth trip to the Eastern Conference Finals (2015 with Atlanta, 2017 and 2018 with Boston) and looks for his first opportunity to play in the NBA Finals.
Finney-Smith had a 24-point game with eight 3-pointers in the Game 4 victory vs. Phoenix. The Portsmouth, Va., native has been a building block in the Mavericks' turnaround, helping Dallas grow from 24 wins during Finney-Smith's second NBA season into a consistent playoff team, to this year's 52-win conference finalist performance.
Chiozza appeared in 34 games during the regular season, highlighted by an 11-point game in a win vs. Toronto. Haslem, who turns 42 in June, made 13 regular season appearances for Miami.
Haslem's three NBA titles with the Heat (2006, 2012, 2013) already mark the most by any Gator. The remaining trio all look to become the ninth different Gator to earn an NBA championship.
NBA Champion Gators
Matt Bonner |
2007, 2014 |
San Antonio Spurs |
Corey Brewer |
2011 |
Dallas Mavericks |
Udonis Haslem |
2006, 2012, 2013 |
Miami Heat |
David Lee |
2015 |
Golden State Warriors |
Vernon Maxwell |
1994, 1995 |
Houston Rockets |
Mike Miller |
2012, 2013 |
Miami Heat |
Marreese Speights |
2015 |
Golden State Warriors |
Jason Williams |
2006 |
Miami Heat |