Kevin Garnett has recalled the moment he spoke out of line in front of Michael Jordan, resulting in a stunning passage of play in an NBA match.
Garnett only won one NBA championship during his career, but he’s widely considered as one of the greatest power forwards of all-time.
He enjoyed spells at Minnesota Timberwolves, Boston Celtics, Brooklyn Nets before ending his career with the Timberwolves for a second spell, winning his NBA title with the Celtics in 2008.
Despite the 13-year age gap, Garnett crossed paths with Jordan as he opened up about their clash back in 1996.
Garnett played with an incredible intensity and wouldn’t shy away from the verbal warfare.
He was known for his on-court trash talk but it didn’t work out too well for him when he faced ‘MJ’ during his rookie year.
“He’s right here. Mike can hear me,” he said on All The Smoke, recalling how Jordan overheard his trash talking.
“I say that, and I feel it. Hands on hips, legs locked, then (Jordan) looking and he stabbed me about 15 seconds.”
Garnett added: “As we come out to timeout, I’m all, yeah… I can’t even explain it. I was just like, yo, keep killing that.”
Michael Jordan and Kevin Garnett during their NBA clash. Image: Getty
However, Garnett’s trash talking backfired as Jordan found another gear and delivered a masterclass, dominating the youngster on the court.
“I can’t even really describe the next six to seven minutes of play,” Garnett said.
“Not one but two 10 second calls… Down 25 (points) now, it was just two.”
Timberwolves and Bulls were neck and neck until Jordan transformed into a demon following Garnett’s trash talking.
He scored a game-high 35 points, sinking 11 free throws and grabbed six rebounds while dishing out seven assists.
“I’m sorry. I’m sorry,” Garnett said upon returning to the bench.
He continued: “Never talk trash to Mike ever again.”
And when he bumped into the six-time NBA champion at an All-Star game, he apologized for his actions.
Moral of the story; don’t p*ss off Jordan.
