After 12 years in the NBA, it almost came to an end on Friday night for Kevin Love.
The moment happened in the first quarter when Memphis Grizzlies rookie Ja Morant took flight from nearly the free-throw line. Morant gathered himself, and with only Love in his way, rose up for the dunk attempt.
His dunk was nearly reminiscent to that of Vince Carter in the 2000 Olympics when he jumped over 7-foot-2 center Frederic Weis. Of course, Love is only listed at 6-foot-8 but it was almost as impactful.
By all accounts, Love took the near assassination well and had some fun with it afterward. His reaction to the dunk on Twitter was about as perfect as could be.
Ja almost ended my professional career with this dunk…that kid is something special 🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻 https://t.co/5SxCItAMba
— Kevin Love (@kevinlove) December 21, 2019
Fortunately, Love lived to tell his side of the story as he addressed reporters after the game. Love praised Morant for his abilities on the court and even asked if he could medically retire, via Spencer Davies of Basketball Insiders.
Maybe the most appropriate image in this video is the bag of ice and the shirt. Kevin Love reacts to Ja Morant's attempt to out him on a poster. pic.twitter.com/2b5tMtbSa9
— Spencer Davies (@SpinDavies) December 21, 2019
Love and the Cavaliers finished with the win over the Grizzlies as he recorded 21 points and 13 rebounds while Morant had eight points and 11 assists.
More importantly, though, he left with his career still intact.
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