It was one of the most emotionally raw moments the NBA has seen in recent memory. Before Game 4 of the 2025 first-round playoff series between the Miami Heat and the Cleveland Cavaliers in Miami, Kevin Love and former teammate Tristan Thompson shared an embrace that resonated far beyond the basketball court. Love has since opened up about the grief that led to that moment, and why he believes letting it all out may have been the most important thing he’s ever done.
A Father’s Passing
Just one day before that April 28 pregame scene, Love had publicly announced on Instagram that his father, Stan Love, had passed away at the age of 76. Stan was a former NBA player himself and the younger brother of Beach Boys legend Mike Love. Kevin acknowledged the complicated nature of their relationship, noting they had their “differences,” but said those challenges ultimately helped shape who he became.
Though Kevin had stepped away from the Heat roster weeks earlier due to personal reasons, he made the trip to be with the team for Game 4 to be near people who mattered to him. That decision set the stage for one of the most powerful images of the entire postseason.
“I Just Broke Down”
Speaking on Hoda Kotb’s Making Space podcast in July 2025, Love described the encounter as “crazy emotional.” He recalled approaching Thompson on the court, simply wanting a hug, and said that every time they cross paths, a flood of memories comes back, both good and heavy, given everything they have been through. He said he simply let it all go.
Video shared by Bleacher Report showed the two men locked in a long embrace, speaking quietly, before Love wiped his eyes as they briefly separated—then hugged again. For Love, it was the first time since his father’s death that he allowed himself to truly feel the weight of his loss. He described Thompson as family, noting that Thompson, who lost his mother, Andrea, in January 2023, could relate to his pain.
Challenging What Masculinity Looks Like
Love, a five-time All-Star and longtime mental health advocate, used the moment to challenge conventional ideas about men and vulnerability. He said he believes it is important to allow yourself to feel the full spectrum of your emotions, and that in that moment, he gave himself permission to be vulnerable. He added that he hopes moments like that challenge traditional expectations that men should suppress their feelings.
He also warned that bottling up grief carries real consequences, saying that suppressed emotions will eventually surface in other ways and that the body keeps track of it all.
Still a Work in Progress
At 36 and nearing the end of his playing career, Love reflected on how far he has come since first speaking publicly about his battles with anxiety and panic attacks in 2018. He shared that the dark periods that once lasted weeks or months have significantly improved, crediting consistent effort and medication. But he stressed that he is not declaring victory, describing himself as still a work in progress. He compared it to basketball, waking up each day with the chance to improve, and said that is how he approaches his mind, body, and soul.
Through his Kevin Love Fund, he continues to push for greater mental health awareness, determined to leave the world better than he found it.
Sources:
“Dad, you fought for a long time.” Kevin Love, Instagram, 27 Apr 2025.
“Kevin Love On His Unfinished Journey With Mental Health.” Making Space with Hoda Kotb, TODAY / Simplecast, 2 Jul 2025.
“Kevin Love Announces Death of His Father, Former NBA Player Stan Love, in Touching Tribute.” People, 28 Apr 2025.
“Kevin Love honored for mental health advocacy.” NBA.com, 1 Dec 2021.
