Fourteen years ago, Kevin Garnett, in the midst of a largely incoherent interview with Michele Tafoya (long before her descent into the warped world of politics), let out a seismic roar that came to symbolize an entire era of Celtics basketball. “Anything is possible!” Garnett yelled as confetti fell from the rafters at TD Garden, moments after beating the hated Lakers to clinch Boston’s 17th world championship, the most of any franchise in NBA history.
On the same court where Garnett birthed his iconic catchphrase, Warriors veteran Klay Thompson made a similar declaration Thursday night, summing up Golden State’s miracle run to a fourth title in two words—“Holy cannoli!”
Whatever prompted this bizarre quote (maybe Thompson was trying not to curse, substituting “cannoli” for a four-letter word that would have had ESPN scrambling for the dump button), it was an instant hit on social media, inspiring countless photoshops and memes.
It’s probably foolish to attach any deeper meaning to Thompson’s viral moment, an outburst born of excitement and, more than anything, a sense of relief, returning to basketball’s biggest stage after a harrowing three-year detour marred by injury and disappointment. Still, it’s oddly appropriate he chose “cannoli,” an Italian delicacy served at Mike’s Pastry, a famous bakery and tourist destination in North Boston, just a short walk from where the Warriors cemented their place in NBA history as one of the great dynasties of the modern era.
While perhaps not as t-shirt worthy as “anything is possible,” “Holy cannoli!” is a fitting rallying cry, invoking the kind of humor and enthusiasm that made this Warriors team such a joy to watch all season. This year’s Finals will forever be remembered as Steph Curry’s coronation, elevating him to all-time status. But you could argue it was even more meaningful for Klay, whose contributions after missing the better part of three seasons (19 points per game this postseason) can’t be understated.
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