Thomas calls fans booing Horford 'disrespectful'

After playing for the Atlanta Hawks for a steady nine years, Al Horford was surprised to hear some boos in his return to Philips Arena as a member of the Boston Celtics on Friday.

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"That was unexpected," Horford said after the Celtics' 103-101 win, according to the Boston Globe's Adam Himmelsbach. "I know there's a lot of fans out there that appreciated my time here, and I appreciate them."

Atlanta, a notoriously fickle sports town, lived up to that reputation Friday. Horford was audibly booed during player introductions and again when he touched the ball. Then, when the Hawks honored the big man with a tribute video, the crowd gave him a standing ovation.

While attendance was listed at 18,729, the game had its typical amount of empty seats for a Hawks contest at tipoff.

Celts teammate Isaiah Thomas was a little more candid about the treatment from Hawks fans.

"Disrespectful," said Thomas. "None of the people that were booing are turning down that money."

Horford signed a four-year, $113-million deal with Boston in July. His sister, Anna, who has been quite outspoken in the past, had a curt response for the Atlanta spectators who chose to boo.