LeBron James sends heartfelt message for Kevin Love and JR Smith's emotional reunion during Indiana Pacers vs New York Knicks Game 5
LeBron James sends heartfelt message for Kevin Love and JR Smith's emotional reunion. Image via: Brynn Anderson/ AP | NBA on TNT
In an emotionally charged moment that brought back memories of the Cleveland Cavaliers' historic 2016 championship run, Kevin Love and JR Smith reunited at Madison Square Garden during Game 5 of the Pacers vs Knicks playoff series.
The former teammates, who were instrumental in Cleveland's legendary title win, shared a long, emotional hug on the court after the game. The reunion quickly went viral and caught the attention of their former teammate,
LeBron James
.
LeBron James reacts to Kevin Love and JR Smith's heartfelt reunion at Pacers vs Knicks Game 5
Kevin Love and JR Smith's heartfelt reunion was more than just a friendly catch-up between two ex-teammates. Kevin Love and JR Smith, both key players during the Cavaliers' 2016 NBA Finals victory over the Golden State Warriors, looked like they had traveled back in time, reliving the bond forged through postseason battles.
As the cameras rolled and thousands watched, the two embraced, jumping with excitement and pure emotion.
LeBron James reacts to Kevin Love and JR Smith's heartfelt reunion. Image via: kingjames/ Instagram
It didn't take long for the video to hit social media and strike a nostalgic nerve. LeBron James, who led the Cavs to that unforgettable championship, reposted the clip to his Instagram story with a simple but powerful caption, 'My dogs right there!!' It appears that James almost had tears in his eyes.
LeBron James led his teammates, Kevin Love, JR Smith, and co. to
2016 NBA championship
The bond among these three players is tremendous.
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It was built on more than just shared jerseys, but the journey to the championship in 2016. LeBron's promise to bring a title to Northeast Ohio when he returned to Cleveland in 2014 became reality in 2016. His legendary performance in the Game 7 clincher against the Warriors included 27 points, 11 rebounds, 11 assists, three blocks, and two steals — a triple-double that secured his Finals MVP honor.
In Game 7, Love pulled down a crucial 14 rebounds and added 3 assists, while Smith chipped in 12 points, helping maintain momentum.
Reflecting on that title run, LeBron recently shared on 'Mind the Game' podcast with Steve Nash, 'We're going to win Game 5. Like, I can feel it. We're going to win Game 5... I promise you, if we get back to Cleveland for Game 7, there will be a Game 7. And I'll take it from there.'
Also Read:
Indiana Pacers vs New York Knicks (05/29): Box score, player stats, game summary and more
James' leadership tied that Cavaliers team together. And it is obvious that a simple reunion between Love and Smith still carries emotional weight nearly a decade later. Now, James is with the Los Angeles Lakers, still in his A-game at 40.
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