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Credits- Imago
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Credits- Imago
The rivalry that Kevin Garnett and Kobe Bryant showcased in the late 2000s is some of the best in the history of the NBA. The ‘Big Ticket’ and the ‘Black Mamba’ delivered their best on each possession, which created mutual respect after retirement. One thing that the Boston Celtics champion has always loved about Bryant is the ‘Mamba Mentality’, which the modern NBA players try to live by. Well, KG wanted to send a message to the youngsters through his social media by sharing a few famous words from Bryant.
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In an edit on Instagram, the 5x champion was questioned in an old interview, “What was it like for you to play with people that weren’t as gritty as you were?”. Bryant replied, “I’d kill them. I’d bury them. It’s not tolerated. You’re going to show up to play and you’re going to lollygag through this scrimmage, through this drill. I’m going to beat you. I’m going to let you know I beat you. I want you to reconsider your professional life choice…I’m not here to be a great teammate, I’m here to help you win championships.”
Garnett was in awe of this interview. He shared the edit to his Instagram story and added, “#Mindset…It’s all on how you think…Having a killa mentality is everything when going for somin”. This message is not just for the basketball buffs, it is for anyone willing to compete.
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Back when KG was with the Celtics and Bryant was with the Lakers, the rivalry between the two was above the roof. The entire America took sides when the Hall of Famers matched against each other. Contrastingly, all that competitiveness turned into respect after they bid farewell to the NBA. After Bryant’s death, things took a turn for Garnett.
Kevin Garnett reveals the extent he is willing to go to honor Kobe Bryant
It’s a known fact that the 5x champion’s death in 2020 sent the world into denial. That was the case for KG too. He shared, “When he hit that floor, he knew what it was and I loved him for it. I miss Kobe every day, man…I look up and we celebrate him like he’s still alive, and I love that”. Garnett said, “If I have a son someday, I don’t know when and where, but I’mma dedicate a son to Kobe, man.”
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BOSTON, MA, JUNE 13, 2010 Kobe Bryant finds it hard to get to the basket against the defense of Celtics forward Kevin Garnett late in game five of the NBA Finals at the TD Garden. (Photo by Robert Gauthier/Los Angeles Times via Getty Images)
Despite being fierce opponents, Garnett loved Bryant for bringing ‘Mamba Mentality’ into the NBA, into basketball. KG gave a tough time to his opponents by playing mental games. However, Bryant was a tough nut to crack for him. Garnett lives by Mamba Mentality, and he wants everyone to consider it as well.
Written by
Edited by
Daniel D'Cruz