During an interview with Ros Gold-Onwude of ESPN, Boston Celtics small forward Jaylen Brown talked about how Hall of Famer Kevin Garnett inspired Isaiah Thomas and the entire Boston club during the 2017 playoffs.
The Celtics fell down 0-2 to the Chicago Bulls in the first round of the 2017 postseason. Thomas also tragically lost his sister.
Before the Celtics went to Chicago to play Games 3 and 4 against the Bulls, Garnett sent a message to the team.
WYD? w/ Jaylen Brown 🖥🗣🖥@fchwpo shares how a special message from @KevinGarnett5KG to @IsaiahThomas helped inspire the @Celtics during their emotional & unforgettable 2017 playoff run. @espnnba
➡️ Full convo on KG, Tatum, & breakout seasons: https://t.co/Sr6d81nn02 pic.twitter.com/Ajg3eLvNug— Ros Gold-Onwude (@ROSGO21) July 1, 2020
The Celtics wound up winning four games in a row to take out the Bulls, so it's safe to say the Boston players received Garnett's message loud and clear.
After defeating the Washington Wizards in the second round of the 2017 playoffs, the Celtics took on LeBron James and the Cleveland Cavaliers in the Eastern Conference Finals. Unfortunately, Thomas was only able to play in Games 1 and 2 before his hip injury became too painful to play on. As a result, the Cs lost the series in five games.
The Celtics will retire Garnett’s No. 5 jersey next season. Boston won the 2008 championship over the Los Angeles Lakers to capture banner No. 17 in franchise history. It's the only ring Garnett won during his legendary career.
As for today's Celtics, they are expected to compete for the Eastern Conference crown once the “bubble” games start on July 30 at Walt Disney World. Before games were suspended in March, Boston was in third place in the East with a stellar record of 43-21.
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