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Kevin Garnett is by far one of the best (or worst – depending on how you look at it) when it comes to trash-talking. The 2004 MVP has been known to irk other athletes both on and off the court and it's no question that he's king when it comes to mind games. Yes, basketball is a very physical sport but at the very highest level, the mental aspect of the game is just as key and KG has been known to take full advantage of that. His approach is not always loved by everyone but it's hard to argue with a guy who has an NBA championship ring on his finger and an undying chip on his shoulder.
Let's go back to some of Garnett's most brutal trash-talking moments.
Disclaimer – most of these are rumors so please do bear that in mind.
@clutchstories 5 Most Savage Kevin Garnett Trash-Talking Moments 🗣 (via @leslieeemichelle) #kevingarnett #trashtalk #nba #bostonceltics #clutchpoints #fyp #viral
5. He made Big Baby cry (2008)
Okay, so not even his teammates are safe.
In 2008, the Boston Celtics were playing at home against the Portland Trail Blazers and Boston was dominating Portland. Like in any blowout game, the reserves were fielded in by head coach Doc Rivers, and unfortunately for the Celtics bench, Portland fought their way back. On a timeout, KG looked to have gathered the troops to scold his teammates for letting their lead slip away. Rookie Glen Davis was on the wrong end of that huddle as he was one of those who received some harsh motivational words from Garnett before eventually being subbed out. Davis proceeded to the end of the bench, seemingly frustrated with a towel over his head. Apparently, Garnett's savagery went on even as the dust settled as he went along and told Davis, “Stop crying, you Big Baby!”. And, some are claiming that this was when Davis' nickname was born.
4. From idol to nemesis (2007)
As a young fiery player aspiring to be in the NBA, it's no surprise that former Chicago Bulls forward Joakim Noah looked up to the great Kevin Garnett. And when the Brooklyn native came into the league in 2007 as a rookie member of the Bulls, he was looking forward to the day he would face his idol. Unfortunately, things didn't go quite as planned for Noah. On their very first encounter, the young Noah came up to the vet to tell him how much of an inspiration KG was to him.
“Man, KG, I had your poster on my wall, I looked up to you, man.” Noah excitedly said.
And KG responded with three words that would change Noah's career.
Garnett responded, “F**k you, Noah.”
From then on, Noah would go on to continue his NBA career despising his once idol.
3. Happy Mother's Day (1999)
Again, just to reiterate – this is another unconfirmed rumor. But it's so brutal that it has to make the list, even if it's mere hearsay.
In 1999, two young and future Hall of Fame forward would battle it out in the playoffs. Kevin Garnett and his Minnesota Timberwolves were pitted against Tim Duncan and the San Antonio Spurs in a first-round playoff encounter. Allegedly, when Duncan stepped up to the charity stripe to shoot some free throws, Garnett told Duncan “Happy Mother's Day, M***********.” Seems rather friendly, right?
Hell no.
Duncan's mother passed away in 1990 due to breast cancer. She died a day before Duncan's 14th birthday.
Though this specific incident has still been unproven as a fact to this day, what we're sure is that Duncan does hate the trash-talking Garnett. KG has been known to get in Duncan's nerves every time they battled on the court which doesn't sit well with five-time NBA Champion.
2. Honey Nut Cheerios (2013)
2013 marked Kevin Garnett's historic 15th and last time to make it to the NBA All-Star Game. But, this year was also the same year where things went sour with fellow East All-Star starter, Carmelo Anthony. In a matchup against the New York Knicks, the two had to be separated on the court after a seemingly common spat. But what happened after the game, made everyone go all CSI and dive deeper into what really happened between the two superstars. After the game, Melo came through with his promise to meet KG after the game and waited for the Celtic forward outside the team's bus to further confront him.
Allegedly, Garnett told Melo during the in-game commotion that his wife, Lala “tasted like Honey Nut Cheerios”. Melo really didn't like this and went to a shoving match with KG which earned them both a technical foul. Fortunately, the post-game encounter did not escalate further as MSG staff and security successfully diffused the situation.
Was Melo just going to congratulate KG on their 102-96 win over the his Knicks? Not really. When asked days after,
“There’s just certain things that you just don’t say to another man.” Anthony explained.
1. Cancer patient (2010)
Sometimes, KG just crosses some lines that shouldn't be crossed. In 2010, KG was in the middle of one of his more infamous trash-talking moments against Detroit Pistons forward, Charlie Villanueva. Both forwards were in a third-quarter scuffle after KG had some rather foul comments for the Dominican-American player, which was later revealed in Villanueva's early morning tweets.
KG called me a cancer patient, I'm pissed because, u know how many people died from cancer, and he's tossing it like it's a joke,
— Charlie Villanueva (@CVBelieve) November 3, 2010
Villanueva has a condition called Alopecia Universalis and one of the symptoms of this condition is eventual hair loss. Villanueva's initial tweet was far more aggressive calling KG out and challenging him to a fight.
When asked about his in-game comments towards the former Pistons forward, KG seemingly denied his remarks and went on to clear things, saying that he was misquoted.
“My comment to Charlie Villanueva was in fact: You are cancerous to your team and our league,'” Garnett explained. “I would never be insensitive to the brave struggle that cancer patients endure. I have lost loved ones to this deadly disease and have a family member currently undergoing treatment. I would never say anything that distasteful. The game of life is far bigger than the game of basketball.”
Is KG in the clear with this one? Your call.
