On Sunday, March 13, the Boston Celtics retired Kevin Garnett‘s No. 5 jersey to the rafters at TD Garden:
5️⃣☘️ pic.twitter.com/L61KLRC4eK
— Boston Celtics (@celtics) March 13, 2022
Although it came after a loss to the Dallas Mavericks — and the Celtics have lost the last three jersey retirement games — the ceremony was unforgettable.
A sellout crowd cheered, as fans watched the ceremony live on NBC Sports Boston in the New England area while the nation watched it on NBATV.
The 2008 championship big three were back together for the party, along with many of their teammates.
Both Paul Pierce and Ray Allen were sitting in the front row, with No. 34 making a speech after Celtics play-by-play television announcer Mike Gorman.
Garnett’s No. 5 is now next to Pierce’s No. 34:
Kevin Garnett, right next to Paul Pierce. pic.twitter.com/xJKoqiQbRb
— Jay King (@ByJayKing) March 13, 2022
Also, the Celtics ownership presented him with some impressive collectibles, including an awe-inspiring piece of art.
It was a tremendous night for Celtics fans, who also got to see NBC Sports Boston television color commentator Brian Scalabrine interview Kevin Garnett.
During the interview, KG reminisced about his time in Boston, and he got to share the night with his two daughters.
Garnett Made An Everlasting Impact On The Celtics Organization
With his daughters by his side in their green Garnett jackets, the Celtics star got to show off his quote, which will remain in TD Garden:
KG will always have a spot in the lockerroom now pic.twitter.com/Ras0LJJdDD
— Boston Celtics (@celtics) March 13, 2022
Garnett was an unbelievable teammate.
@KevinGarnett5KG KG5 Great time Great Place Great person.
You were born with great.
We will miss Big 5. Big time.— MaV-L (@MaVL43170793) March 14, 2022
#KevinGarnett pic.twitter.com/v6dQlfzdxI
— HeiLoEnta.crypto (@HeiLoEnta) March 14, 2022
What a great night! Thank you for everything @KevinGarnett5KG pic.twitter.com/ETZiN59TPi
— Mike Barnstein (@mikeyb6901) March 14, 2022
@KevinGarnett5KG Congrats KG! Welcome to the rafters here in B Town…we love you. YOU BROUGHT THE PASSION 🔥🔥🔥🏀🏀🏀🏆🏆🏆❤❤❤🍀🍀🍀🍀 #Legend #5 #KG @celtics @tdgarden
— KH (@KelseyHtheModel) March 14, 2022
He made everyone better because of his intensity and his skill.
Everyone wanted to raise their level to Garnett’s level.
After Danny Ainge acquired Kevin Garnett via trade in 2007, the Celtics paired him with Paul Pierce and Ray Allen.
Then, the Celtics’ new big three era commenced.
Danny Ainge had orchestrated the next championship team for the Celtics.
The 2007-08 Celtics won 66 games after the team had 24 victories the previous season.
Garnett and the 2008 champion Celtics exuded defensive excellence and team basketball.
Pierce, Garnett, and Allen each averaged 17 points per game during the regular season.
Garnett also led the NBA in defensive rating that season.
He was very impressive on and off the court.
When Mike Gorman spoke and when Paul Pierce spoke as well as when owner Wyc Grousbeck spoke, they talked glowingly about KG and who he is as a person.
Then, a tearful Garnett got the opportunity to raise his No. 5 to the rafters, as his favorite pump-up song — Phil Collins‘ “In the Air Tonight” — was played.
The ceremony then concluded with “You Should Be Dancing” by the Bee Gees, which signified “Gino Time,” the Celtics’ most recent “victory cigar.”
Garnett basked in the excitement of Gino Time during his Celtics career, and it was played when the Celtics had secured a victory at TD Garden for the majority of KG’s career.
It was the perfect song to end the ceremony.
KG was a true Celtic during his NBA career, and he will continue to carry on the tradition into his post-playing days.
He already has, and he is will.
Garnett was a player for the Minnesota Timberwolves, Boston Celtics, and the Brooklyn Nets.
However, he will always bleed green.
He was treated well by the Celtics and its organization, and he loved his time with the Celtics.
KG is Celtic pride.
NEXT: Are The Celtics The Best Team In The NBA?
