After Being Labelled “Spirit Animal”, Kevin Garnett Refers to Nick Kyrgios as “Nasty” in Latest Exchange

“My love for the Boston Celtics came from video games. Back in 2006, when I was 11 years old, I got my first NBA Live game on PSP.” Years ago, writing for The Players’ Tribune, Nick Kyrgios also expressed his long-lost love for basketball. In 2016, he shared a post of him receiving a Beantown jersey, with his name, but number 5 on the back. Those who know that number belonged to Kevin Garnett. That relationship continued, as The Big Ticket recently commented on the Australian’s highlight reel.

The post was from three days ago, with the caption, “Kyrgios with the forehand 🔥.” Which led to KG re-sharing it on his Instagram story, with encouraging words. “Nasty Nick at it again 😤😤🫡💯.” Back when the 29-year-old received the Celtics jersey, with #5, he gave a shout-out to Kevin Garnett. “Thank YOU @celtics // In memory of the #Ticket @tic_pix ☘️☘️☘️.” It’s not the only time when the tennis superstar credited the Celtics legend.

“Garnett is like my spirit animal. He’s my favorite player ever. Every guy wants him on their team, but nobody wants to face him. He’s so intense. The way he approaches the game is unreal.” Kyrgios continued and explained the qualities of the 2004 MVP, which he imbibed. “As a tennis player, there’s a lot I’ve learned from how insanely competitive KG is, even now, when he’s 39 years old, he’s still a maniac.” It’s from the same Players’ Tribune excerpt.

Basketball was always the sport he wanted to go pro in—but his father had other plans, pushing him toward tennis instead. That decision crushed him, but his love for the game never faded.

Fast forward to now, and Nick Kyrgios found himself courtside at the Lakers vs. Mavericks showdown, witnessing Luka Doncic’s first battle against his former team. But for Kyrgios, the highlight of the night wasn’t just the game—it was hanging out with NBA legend Kareem Abdul-Jabbar.

And if you’re wondering whether the Aussie has ever met Kevin Garnett in person? The answer is yes.

Kyrgios’ encounter did not end well for Kevin Garnett and Paul Pierce

Last year, the Celtics legend had some praise for the 29-year-old’s on-court energy, saying, “Just Nick being Nick… he different with it.” Building on this familiarity a few months before that, Kevin Garnett and Paul Pierce had Nick Kyrgios as a guest on their podcast while watching the inaugural NBA Cup Final between the Lakers and Pacers. The Lakers took the title, and LeBron James was crowned MVP—but The Truth wasn’t buying it.

Pierce openly disagreed with the choice, and that’s when Kyrgios stepped in: “No way, that’s crazy, that’s wild.” But Pierce didn’t back down. He took it a step further, claiming that LeBron isn’t even a top-five player in the league right now.

That’s when Kevin Garnett lost it on his former championship-winning teammate. “Get your garbage a– outta here. F— is you talking about, bum? You act like you don’t even know basketball. You’re talking like a cupcake, you’re talking that goofy s—. Respect [James], he’s 38 and still doing it.”

So, the passion that Kyrgios had seen on TV was happening in front of him. Albeit not like the on-court competitor, KG’s jab was still sharp. That competitive spirit is what the Aussie resonated towards. And the reason why he cherishes The Big Ticket as his favorite.