It was one of those moments that reminds you — basketball is more than just a game.
Before tipoff at the Kaseya Center on April 28, Cleveland Cavaliers’ Tristan Thompson warmly embraced his former teammate Kevin Love, who is now with the Miami Heat.

The hug wasn’t just a casual hello. It carried the weight of grief, friendship, and deep respect. Kevin Love had just lost his father, Stan Love, the day before — on April 27 — and emotions were still raw (source: Kevin Love via Instagram, April 27, 2025).

Why Was Kevin Love So Emotional Before the Game?

Kevin Love recently opened up on social media about the passing of his father, Stan Love. In a heartfelt Instagram post, Love called his dad a “Giant. My Protector. My first Hero.”

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Love admitted their relationship had its ups and downs, but ultimately, it shaped who he became. He wrote:

“Like all of us, my Dad was imperfect. But despite his flaws, and my own, we are a successful story of father and son… Dad, I’m so proud to be your son. My only hope is that you’re proud of me.”
(source: Kevin Love via Instagram, April 27, 2025)

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It’s no wonder Kevin looked emotional before the big playoff game. When you lose someone so central to your life story, the timing doesn’t matter — the world feels different immediately.

How Are Tristan Thompson and Kevin Love Connected?

These two aren’t just former teammates — they’re brothers in a way.
Kevin Love and Tristan Thompson were part of the historic Cleveland Cavaliers team that made magic in 2016, winning the NBA Championship (source: NBA.com, 2016 NBA Finals).

That bond? It doesn’t just disappear.
It’s why Thompson, seeing his friend hurting, made sure to offer real comfort before the game even started.
Moments like this remind us that even among fierce competition, humanity and loyalty win out.

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Who Was Stan Love?

You might recognize the name if you’re a basketball history buff.
Stan Love wasn’t just Kevin’s dad — he was a star athlete in his own right.

Here’s a quick snapshot (source: University of Oregon Athletics Hall of Fame, 1994):

• Stan Love played college basketball at the University of Oregon.
• He was the 9th overall pick in the 1971 NBA Draft (source: Basketball-Reference.com).
• His professional career included time with the Baltimore Bullets, Los Angeles Lakers, and San Antonio Spurs (then part of the ABA).
• In 1994, he was inducted into the University of Oregon Athletics Hall of Fame for his achievements.

Basketball excellence definitely runs deep in the Love family.

How Did the Game Between Cavaliers and Heat End?

While emotions were running high, the Cavaliers showed no mercy on the court.
Cleveland absolutely dominated Miami, winning 138-83 in Game 4 of the playoff series (source: ESPN.com, April 28, 2025).

According to ESPN, it was the largest series-clinching victory in NBA history — a jaw-dropping stat.

With the sweep completed, the Cavaliers now advance to the Eastern Conference Semifinals, where they’ll face the winner between the Indiana Pacers and the Milwaukee Bucks. (As of April 28, the Pacers led the series 3-1.)

What Can We Take Away From This Moment?

Sports often get boiled down to numbers, stats, and scores.
But every so often, we get a real reminder: behind the jerseys are human beings, carrying their own stories, heartbreaks, and moments of triumph.

Kevin Love’s openness about his complicated but loving relationship with his dad — and Tristan Thompson’s comforting hug — gave fans a glimpse into something much deeper than basketball.
It was about friendship, loss, and standing by each other when it matters most.