Few players have left as indelible a mark as Kevin Garnett. Known for his intensity, passion, and sometimes eccentric behavior on the court, Garnett’s stories often border on the legendary. One such tale, recently confirmed by Garnett himself, involves a memorable encounter with former NBA guard Jeff Teague.
During a recent appearance on the Club 520 podcast, Garnett recounted the infamous incident that took place during the 2012 Eastern Conference playoffs. The Boston Celtics were facing the Atlanta Hawks, and tensions were high. Garnett, never one to shy away from psychological warfare, decided to take his trash-talking to an unprecedented level.
Jeff Teague, who was playing for the Hawks at the time, shared his side of the story on the FanDuel’s Run It Back show. According to Teague, Garnett got on all fours and barked at him during the game.
“He was crazy,” Teague said with a laugh. “That dude got on all fours one time in a playoff game and barked at me”.
This bizarre yet hilarious moment left a lasting impression on Teague and has since become a part of NBA folklore.
Garnett, known for his fierce competitiveness, now confirmed the story with a grin. He explained that his antics were all part of his strategy to get into the heads of his opponents.
Kevin Garnett confirms that he in fact did growl at Jeff Teague. pic.twitter.com/39nv8yYR6C
— OpenCourt-Basketball (@OpenCourtFB) July 19, 2024
This story is a testament to Garnett’s unique approach to the game. His willingness to go to such lengths to unsettle his opponents is a reflection of his dedication and his desire to win at all costs. For fans, it’s another reason to remember Garnett as one of the most colorful and intense players to ever grace the NBA hardwood.
As for Teague, he seems to have taken the incident in stride, often recounting it with humor and a sense of awe.
