KEY POINTS

  • Kevin Garnett has publicly squashed his beef with Ray Allen during his jersey retirement ceremony in Boston
  • Garnett and Allen's issues started when the latter decided to leave the Celtics and join the Miami Heat for the 2012-13 season
  • Allen reveals following the ceremony that he never had a problem with Garnett and Paul Pierce

The Boston Celtics’ “Big Three” of Ray Allen, Paul Pierce and Kevin Garnett have finally made up during the latter’s jersey retirement ceremony ahead of the franchise hosting the Dallas Mavericks on Sunday, March 13.

While speaking with former Celtics teammate and now NBC Sports Boston analyst Brian Scalabrine at the center of the court, Garnett publicly acknowledged the presence of Allen.

“I want to show you something, man. It’s good to see Ray Allen here. Real [expletive]. It’s good to see you here, baby. You’re next [to have your jersey retired], boy,” Garnett said.

Allen then approached Garnett and proceeded to hug it out, while Pierce later joined in for a moment that will forever be remembered by NBA fans and Celtics fans.

ESPN’s Elle Duncan covered the history of the beef in an episode of “The Split” in September 2020, and a commenter brought out some added context as to why Allen decided to skip town and join the Miami Heat to team up with the likes of Chris Bosh, Dwyane Wade and LeBron James ahead of the 2012-13 season.

In late October 2021, Garnett revealed that he had softened his stance on Allen in an interview.

“I wish Ray [Allen] all the best, and I wish him and his family all the best, and whatever he’s doing, I’ll always be supportive of it. And that’s all I got to say,” remarked the always outspoken NBA Hall of Famer.

The halftime show of the 2022 NBA All-Star Game was dedicated to honoring the members of the NBA’s 75 greatest players, and a fan noted that Garnett was apparently seething while Allen making his way down the ramp.

Fans quickly theorized that the beef between Allen and the duo of Pierce and Garnett was not over until the three hugged it all out in the middle of the TD Garden’s iconic parquet floor.

Following the ceremony, Allen was interviewed by Scalabrine and revealed that there never was an issue between them.

“There was never beef. When I left, I was so excited for my journey that I was on, but I’ve always loved these guys [Paul Pierce and Kevin Garnett]. The thing that I always hold close to my heart is not just 2008, but just that whole mission… That’s what I focused on [for] the last 10 years,” Allen disclosed.

View the whole ceremony below.

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