Miami Heat big man Kevin Love missed the NBA Finals after making the playoffs for the first time in his 16-year professional career.
The Miami Heat’s loss to the Boston Celtics in the first round marks Kevin Love’s first postseason exit before the Finals in his six playoff appearances. His playoff journey began in 2015 with the Cleveland Cavaliers, where he reached the Finals three times alongside LeBron James.
Notably, Love was a key part of the historic 2016 Finals comeback. However, his postseason success hit a snag last year with the Heat’s defeat to the Denver Nuggets led by two-time MVP Nikola Jokic, ending a four-year absence from the playoffs. Love’s Finals record stands at an underwhelming 1-4, largely due to facing the dominant Golden State Warriors on multiple occasions.
While Kevin Love experienced his most individual success during his time with the Minnesota Timberwolves, the team failed to make the playoffs in any of his six seasons. Fans have responded to this statistic with mixed feelings; some see it as a mark against his career, while others view it as a factor in his Hall of Fame candidacy.
At 35 years old, Love might consider retirement, but he remains a valuable asset to the Miami Heat’s lineup if he chooses to continue playing. In the 2024 season, he maintained averages of 8.8 points and 6.1 rebounds, shooting 44 percent from the field and 34.4 percent from beyond the arc.
