In the fast-paced and often intense world of professional basketball, trash-talking has become somewhat of a norm among players. From playful banter to outright hostility, verbal jabs are often exchanged on the court as a way to gain a mental edge over opponents. However, one NBA player took a rather unique approach to dealing with trash talk – New Zealand’s own Steven Adams.
Known for his tough playing style, Steven Adams found himself face to face with one of the greatest trash talkers in NBA history – Kevin Garnett. The incident in question occurred during a matchup between Adams’ Oklahoma City Thunder and Garnett’s Brooklyn Nets. As the two players engaged in the physical and mental battle that is characteristic of their positions, Garnett began his trademark trash-talking.
Instead of engaging in a war of words with Garnett, Adams decided to take a different approach. He surprised Garnett by telling him that he didn’t speak English.
He said, “My confidence wasn’t high, man, so I wasn’t trying to get torn down by him,” Adams said. “Because he’s the man with the s–t talking.”
At the time, Garnett was in his first season with the Brooklyn Nets (and 19th NBA campaign overall). He had just finished a six-year stint with the Boston Celtics following a trade, and he was facing his ex-C’s teammate, Thunder big man Kendrick Perkins.
As Adams tells it, Garnett and Perkins got to trash talking. Adams then came in for Perkins, and KG apparently turned his attention toward him. But the then-rookie knew better and immediately said “no English” to avoid Garnett’s trash talk.
Adams’ decision to tell Kevin Garnett that he didn’t speak English served as a memorable and humorous moment in NBA history. It not only showcased Adams’ cleverness and ability to defuse a tense situation but also provided a refreshing twist to the often intense world of professional basketball.
Flip to the next page to watch Steven Adams speak about his encounter with Kevin Garnett…
