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Last Updated On: May 03, 2025 10:57 AM , Published On: Mar 06, 2025 09:06 AM
After joining Miami two years ago, the 17-year NBA veteran received a standing ovation in his first game back in Cleveland.
Once more, Kevin Love experienced Cleveland's intense love. Fans in Miami, who will never forget his influence in Cleveland, welcomed Love's return to play the Cavaliers on Wednesday night for the first time since he signed with the Heat two years ago.
Kevin Love's Emotional Return
The Cavs won the 2016 NBA championship, the first major sports championship won by a Cleveland team since 1964, thanks in large part to the 36-year-old Love, who played for the team for nine seasons. In 2023, Love accepted a buyout to join Miami after being removed from coach J.B. Bickerstaff's rotation.
Love was given a standing ovation in the first quarter during a video tribute. Love's defense of Golden State star Stephen Curry in the final seconds of Game 7 of the 2016 Finals was featured in the highlights clip.
In the first-ever NBA Finals comeback, the Cavaliers surprised the Warriors after falling behind 3-1 in the series. Love gestured to the audience with his ring finger.
Reuniting with Former Teammates
Love stated his return was everything he could have dreamed of after Cleveland defeated them 112-107. He said:
“It was definitely emotional. I had discussed it with my wife both yesterday and today. I will always have a deep affection for Cleveland, Ohio, and this organization. I will always return. Lots of affection for a lot of people here.”
He also added that everyone is involved, from the players and coaching staff to the organization, front desk, ownership, spectators, locker room attendants, and garage workers. I will continue to return since I have so much love for so many people. It's impossible for me to express how wonderful the fans and the people here are overall.
Love spoke with Richard Jefferson, a former Cavaliers player who was part of ESPN's broadcast crew for the game, before tip-off.
Memories of Historic NBA Title
According to Love, he has been told that his jersey would eventually be retired and displayed in Rocket Arena's rafters. Love, who frequently texts his former Cleveland colleagues, can still clearly remember that wonderful summer over ten years ago.
"You win together when you say the word brotherhood," he remarked. It produces that, particularly in how we played against a club that was indeed a dynasty, how we came back from a 3-1 deficit, and what it meant to this city after 52 years without a major sports championship. He stated:
“We're approaching ten years, which is insane to consider, and it's difficult to put into words what it means to all of us. That is really significant. It is something I consider each and every day.”