Cavs center Tristan Thompson shared an emotional moment with former teammate Kevin Love before the Cleveland Cavaliers’ series win over the Miami Heat in Game 4 on Monday night.
Thompson and Love were teammates together on the Cavs for six seasons from 2014 to 2020. during that period, they helped the team make four straight NBA Finals appearances, winning their historic title in 2016.
Thompson first departed in 2020 for the Boston Celtics while Love stayed until Cleveland traded him to the Heat in 2023. The former eventually returned to the franchise in the 2023-24 season.
While they are not on the same team, the bond they created still remains. That much was shown when before Game 4 began, Thompson and Love shared a heartwarming embrace. Love suffered the loss of his father, Stan Love, on April 27, making their moment together an emotional one.
What’s next for Tristan Thompson, Cavs
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A huge amount of respect and friendship that Tristan Thompson and Kevin Love have for one another. Even if they aren’t teammates, it doesn’t take away the fact that basketball brought them together and will keep them
In the meantime, Thompson serves as a veteran on Cavs squad that is making history throughout the 2024-25 season. Winning 64 games in the regular season and sweeping the Heat in the first round as the top seed speaks volumes to their talent and case as title contenders. Their 55-point victory over the Heat is another example of that.
Five players scored in double-digits on Cleveland’s behalf in Game 4. Donovan Mitchell led the way with 22 points and five assists. He shot 8-of-15 overall, including 4-of-8 from downtown. De’Andre Hunter came next with 19 points, Ty Jerome had 18 points and five assists, Evan Mobley put up 17 points and seven rebounds, while Jarrett Allen provided 14 points and 12 rebounds.
The Cavs now await the winner of the first round series between the Indiana Pacers and Milwaukee Bucks. The Pacers currently lead 3-1 and have a chance to close it out in Game 5, which will take place on April 29 at 6 p.m. ET.
