Kevin Loveâs return to Cleveland was more than just a routine stop on the NBA calendar to face the Cleveland Cavaliers, his former team. Instead, it was a heartfelt reunion years in the making.
The moment Love stepped onto the court at Rocket Arena, it was clear that this night would be about more than basketball. It would be about legacy, appreciation, and the unbreakable bond between a city and one of its champions.
The Cavaliers wasted no time reminding everyone what Love meant to the franchise. A tribute video played before the game, showcasing his nearly nine-year journey in Cleveland.
The highlights flashed across the screenâthe deep threes, the signature outlet passes, the countless rebounds, and of course, the moment that still gives Cleveland fans chills. Loveâs defensive stand against Stephen Curry in the waning moments of Game 7 of the 2016 NBA Finals.
As the video ended, the packed arena erupted into a deafening ovation, a roar of gratitude for a player who gave everything to the city.
Love stood near the bench, visibly moved. He turned to face the crowd, raised his hand in acknowledgment, and then, in a simple but powerful gesture, pointed to his ring finger. It was a reminder of what he and his teammates accomplished, a symbol of the championship banner that now hangs in the rafters because of their efforts.
Love was in the air once again when the Cavaliers hosted Kevin Love
The tributes didnât end there. As Love embraced his former teammates and exchanged smiles with familiar faces, another piece of news was revealedâone that further cemented his place in Cavaliers history.
After the game, Love shared that the franchise told him that one day, his No. 0 jersey would join the banners hanging above the court, ensuring his name would live on in Cleveland forever.
For Love, this moment wasnât just about looking back. Instead, it was about reflection, appreciation, and the realization of how much time had passed.
âI look in the mirror and think, whereâd the time go?â said Love. âEight and a half great years in Cleveland. My number will, because Iâve been told, will eventually go up there next to Nick Gilbert.â
It was fitting that he mentioned Nick Gilbert, the late son of Cavaliers owner Dan Gilbert, who had been a beloved presence in the organization. Moreover, it showed that Loveâs connection to Cleveland wasnât just about basketball; it was about the people, the relationships, and the memories that extended far beyond the game.
Looking back at Kevin Love’s Cavaliers crusade
His journey with the Cavaliers began in 2014, when he arrived in a blockbuster trade from Minnesota. A three-time All-Star and dominant force with the Timberwolves, Love was used to being the focal point of an offense.
But in Cleveland, he was asked to play a different roleâone that required sacrifice. As the third option behind LeBron James and Kyrie Irving, Love had to adjust his game, often battling through criticism as he found his place.
That first season wasnât easy. Love struggled to fit within the new system, and just when he seemed to be finding his groove, his playoff run was cut short by a shoulder injury in the first round. He watched from the sidelines as Cleveland fell to the Golden State Warriors in the Finals, unable to contribute when his team needed him most.
But the following season, Love found his stride. He became a crucial part of the teamâs success, helping the Cavaliers power their way back to the Finals. This time, he was healthy and he played his role to perfection.
In the biggest game in franchise history, Love delivered time and again with no play more important than that final defensive stand against Curry, where he forced one of the greatest shooters of all time into a desperate, off-balance miss. The Cavaliers went on to win their first-ever championship, and Loveâs place in history, and in Cleveland’s hearts, was secured.
Kevin Love’s Cleveland legacy is bigger than basketball
Even after James and Irving departed, Love remained in Cleveland. He was the last member of the Big Three to stay with the franchise.
Rather than chaffing at the situation, Love embraced a leadership role, helping guide young stars like Darius Garland and Evan Mobley.
Though the team transitioned into a rebuilding phase, Love continued to make an impact. He ultimately thrived in a bench role and finished as a finalist for Sixth Man of the Year during the 2021-22 season.
But as the Cavaliers grew into a new contender, Loveâs role diminished. By the 2022-23 season, he had fallen out of the rotation. To make matters worse, a thumb injury contributed to his struggles.
When it became clear that he no longer fit into the teamâs plans, Love and the Cavaliers agreed to a buyout. Love signed with the Miami Heat shortly after, playing a key role in the team’s run to the NBA Finals.
“It’s not goodbye, it’s I’ll see you later!”
Although it was hard to say goodbye, Cleveland moved forward without Love. They’ve thrived as one of the top teams in the league. But for one night, it was as if Love had never left.
The cheers, the love from the fans, the respect from his former teammatesâit all made it clear that no matter where he played, a part of him would always belong to Cleveland.
âWe [the 2016 team] have a group chat that we speak to every single day. You say the word brotherhood? You win together. Thatâs what it creates,â said Love. âAnd what it meant to the city after 52 years without having a major sports team win a championship. Itâs tough to put into words what that means to all of us. And weâre coming up on 10 years now. Itâs just crazy.â
Tough to put into words, but not hard to feel. The connection between Love and Cleveland is undeniable, and soon, his No. 0 jersey will serve as a permanent reminder of everything he gave to the franchise.
When that banner is raised, it wonât just honor a player. Instead, it will honor the memories, the sacrifices, and the moments that made Cavaliers history and Love a Cavaliers legend.
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