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CLEVELAND (AP) — Kevin Love once again experienced the warmth and admiration of Cleveland.
Now playing for Miami, Love returned to confront the Cavaliers on Wednesday night for the first time since signing with the Heat two years ago, receiving a heartfelt welcome from fans who will always cherish his contributions to the city.
At 36, Love dedicated nine seasons to the Cavs, playing a pivotal role in the team’s 2016 NBA championship victory — the first major sports title for Cleveland since 1964. After finding himself out of the rotation under coach J.B. Bickerstaff, Love opted for a buyout in 2023 to join Miami.
A five-time All-Star, Love was honored with an enthusiastic ovation during a video tribute in the first quarter. The highlight reel showcased his defense against Golden State star Stephen Curry during the closing moments of Game 7 in the ’16 Finals.
The Cavaliers made history by overcoming a 3-1 series deficit against the Warriors in that finals matchup.
Acknowledging the crowd, Love pointed to his championship ring.
The Cavaliers celebrated Kevin Love in his return to Cleveland ❤️
He reciprocated the affection to the fans, recalling their shared achievements in 2016 💍pic.twitter.com/8xD1s9ws57
— NBA (@NBA) March 6, 2025
Following Cleveland’s 112-107 victory, Love expressed that his return was everything he had envisioned.
“It was definitely an emotional experience,” he stated. “My wife and I spoke about it last night and this morning. Cleveland, Ohio, and this organization will always hold a special place in my heart. I’ll always return here. … There’s just so much love from so many people in this community.
“From the training staff to the players, the organization, the front office, ownership, the fans, the locker room attendants, to the security staff, and everyone who helps out in the garage. The love I have for so many will keep bringing me back. I cannot say enough positive things about the fans and the people here.”
Before the game, Love caught up with former Cavs teammate Richard Jefferson, who was part of ESPN’s broadcast team, and chatted with Cleveland general manager Koby Altman and Cavs guard Max Strus, with whom he briefly played in Miami.
“He’s an exceptional person,” Strus remarked. “I was fortunate to have crossed paths with him in my career. It was great to see him honored like that. He truly deserves it all.”
Love mentioned that he has been informed his jersey will someday be retired to hang in the rafters of Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse.
That unforgettable summer almost a decade ago remains fresh in Love’s mind, as he regularly texts with his former Cavaliers teammates.
“You talk about brotherhood; winning together forges that,” he reflected. “That’s especially true given the way we did it, against a dynasty, coming back from 3-1, and what it represented for this city after 52 years of waiting for a major sports championship.
“It’s challenging to articulate what that means to all of us, and here we are approaching 10 years — it’s incredible to think about. It holds immense significance, and it’s something I reflect on every single day.”
Though now primarily serving as a bench player, Heat coach Erik Spoelstra praised Love’s willingness to embrace his new role, highlighting his importance as a mentor to rookie center Kel’el Ware and forward Nikola Jovic.
“A lot of veterans resist accepting that kind of role and transition, but he has handled it with grace,” Spoelstra said. “Players like him are crucial in this league. I wish more veterans would adopt that mindset because, with a younger league, mentorship is essential. Guys who can still perform while providing emotional support for players like Ware and Jovic are invaluable.
“He has sacrificed his playing time for their growth, and that speaks volumes about his character.”
