On May 29, Madison Square Garden was buzzing with excitement during the crucial Game 5 of the Eastern Conference Finals between the Indiana Pacers and the New York Knicks. With the Pacers needing a win to advance to the NBA Finals, the stakes were incredibly high, but the Knicks, energized by their passionate home crowd, secured a convincing 111-94 victory, led by Jalen Brunson’s 32 points and Karl-Anthony Towns’ 24 points.
Amid the intense competition, a touching moment unfolded that resonated deeply with basketball fans: a reunion between former Cleveland Cavaliers teammates Kevin Love and J.R. Smith, which quickly became a viral sensation.
LeBron James Acknowledges His Former Teammates’ Reunion
During the game, Kevin Love and J.R. Smith shared a warm embrace courtside, a sight that delighted viewers and circulated widely on social media. Smith, sporting a Carmelo Anthony jersey, reunited with Love, who played nine seasons with the Cavaliers, delivering a nostalgic reminder of their past success together.
The moment was captured by House of Highlights and gained swift online attention. LeBron James, never missing an occasion to show appreciation for his close friends, reposted the clip on his Instagram story with the simple caption: My dogs right there!!
Love and Smith were integral parts of Cleveland’s historic 2016 NBA Championship team. Love’s role as a consistent three-point shooter and rebounder anchored the team inside, while Smith’s fearless shooting and energy injected momentum during critical moments.
The Legacy of the 2016 Cleveland Cavaliers Championship Team
LeBron James reunited with Love and Smith during his second tenure in Cleveland, beginning in 2014. Together, they formed the core that accomplished one of the greatest comebacks in NBA history. Facing a daunting 3-1 series deficit against the record-setting 73-win Golden State Warriors, the Cavaliers overturned the odds by winning the Finals in seven games.
In the decisive Game 7, James delivered a legendary all-around performance with 27 points, 11 rebounds, and 11 assists, alongside three blocks and two steals, earning Finals MVP honors. But Love and Smith’s contributions were crucial as well—Love collected 14 rebounds and provided defensive stability, while Smith added 12 important points, including key baskets in the second half that kept Cleveland competitive.
LeBron James in the 2016 NBA Finals: Scored/assisted on 52/93 Cavs pts in G7, 13 of 18 in the 4th
For the entire series, scored/assisted on 50% of ALL Cavs points
In the final 3 games of the 3-1 comeback, scored/assisted on 57% of ALL Cavs points
Greatest Finals Performance pic.twitter.com/FEjlly4ElZ
— JR (@LeSteelers) April 12, 2025
This victory marked James’ third NBA championship and the first for both Love and Smith, cementing a special bond that has endured over time.
Lasting Connections Beyond the Court
Over the years, Love and James have maintained a close friendship. In a 2022 interview, Love revealed that members of the 2016 championship squad—including James, Kyrie Irving, Iman Shumpert, and Tristan Thompson—continue to keep in touch regularly through a group chat.
We talk every single day… Nothing’s off-limits there… It’s all brotherly love,
Love shared with People.
The heartfelt reunion between Kevin Love and J.R. Smith at Madison Square Garden serves as a reminder that the relationships and brotherhood forged during their championship run transcend the passage of time, continuing to inspire fans and teammates alike.