“We didn’t give a f**k about LeBron,” Kevin Garnett recalls the intensity of Heat-Celtics COLD-BLOODED rivalry at 2012 ECF
Kevin Garnett Claims Celtics Broke LeBron James, Leading to Miami Heat Move
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Kevin Garnett and LeBron James (image via AP Photo/Winslow Townson)
During a 2019 appearance on The Bill Simmons Podcast, ex-NBA player Kevin Garnett asserted that the Boston Celtics caused LeBron James to leave his hometown team and join the Miami Heat by “breaking” him in the playoffs. Garnett spoke about his experiences playing against James in 2010 and 2012.
Garnett said that the Celtics did not fear James and did not think he could beat all five of them. He also suggested that the Cavs’ elimination from the playoffs in 2010 was a major factor in James’ decision to leave Cleveland. “The C’s, we didn’t give a f**k about LeBron,” Garnett said. “We didn’t fear LeBron. And we didn’t think he could beat all five of us, and that’s how it felt.”
Garnett’s comments have sparked debate among NBA fans, with some agreeing that the Celtics’ physical play and tough defense may have had an impact on James. However, others have pointed out that James was already considering leaving Cleveland before the 2010 playoffs and that his decision to join the Heat was not solely due to his playoff losses to the Celtics.
Related: “He was gassed” – Shocked Kevin Garnett notices LeBron James SLOWING DOWN for the first time ever
James finds success with the Heat
After leaving the Cavaliers, James joined the Miami Heat in 2010, where he teamed up with Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh. The “Big Three” went on to win two NBA Championships in 2012 and 2013, cementing James’ status as one of the greatest players of all time.
During his time with the Heat, James had some memorable performances, including a monster Game 6 against the Celtics in the Eastern Conference finals in 2012. James scored 45 points, grabbed 15 rebounds, and dished out five assists to lead the Heat to a 98-79 victory over the Celtics, who had led the series 3-2 at one point.
While James’ decision to join the Heat was controversial at the time, it ultimately paid off with two NBA Championships and four NBA Finals appearances in four years. James later returned to Cleveland and led the Cavaliers to their first-ever NBA Championship in 2016 before leaving for the Los Angeles Lakers in 2018.
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Vivek Yadav
(624 Articles Published)