The Celtics' veteran leader took a long, winding road to his first NBA title, and he's reaping the rewards of his patience.

In the NBA's free-agency period ... them in the Western Conference finals, selecting the Golden State Warriors over the Boston Celtics and other suitors, Al Horford did the opposite.

Coming off a season-worst loss in LA, the Celtics dominated Saturday’s NBA Finals rematch, routing the Mavericks 122-107.