The KG moment inside TD Garden. pic.twitter.com/EXv2SO05Wg
— Chris Forsberg (@ESPNForsberg) December 22, 2015
Kevin Garnett doesn’t like losing. The Minnesota Timberwolves legend is one of the most intense competitors the league has ever seen, and not even the mitigating effects of age have mitigated his ceaseless desire for the taste of victory. On Tuesday night, though, it’s safe to say he felt just a bit better than normal as his young team headed for another loss.
In the waning moments of the Boston Celtics’ 113-99 win over Minnesota, it was “Gino Time” at TD Garden. The video Boston plays toward the end of blowout victories became a favorite of Garnett’s during his uber-successful six-year tenure in Bean Town. And in what could be his final visit to Boston, fans reminded the future Hall of Famer of days past by chanting his name as the arena music fell silent.
Garnett, of course, led the Celtics to the Larry O’Brien Trophy in 2008, the franchise’s lone championship since 1986. And if not for a knee injury the following February that marked the beginning of his decline, he may have helped Boston to another title or two – and nearly did anyway during that awe-inspiring run to Game 7 of the 2010 NBA Finals.
Regardless, what a beautiful gesture by the Celtics crowd, and what a fantastic moment for one of the greatest players to ever wear green and gold.
KG moved to tears by Celtics fans & Gino time pic.twitter.com/18FXunwtH9
— AP (@Ananth_Pandian) December 22, 2015
