Hakeem Olajuwon and Kevin Garnett were two of the fiercest competitors in the NBA . While their styles differed, their legacies mirror each other in rare company. Both were dominant defenders, elite scorers, and vocal leaders, but with different approaches to the game. Garnett thrived on volume and edge, while Olajuwon operated calmly and precisely.

In a recent interview, Garnett reflected on one of his early encounters with Olajuwon and praised the Houston Rockets ’ legend’s quiet but cutting trash talk.

“Olajuwon, another motherf—r that talk s— to you,” Garnett said . “Olajuwon would do s— like take his mouthpiece off and say, ‘I’m a hit him with a lateral movement, he can’t do anything.”

That kind of chessboard-level talent starkly contrasted with Garnett’s fiery style

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