SALT LAKE CITY – Utah Jazz fans wanted to see veteran forward Kevin Love make an appearance in the team’s blowout victory on Wednesday night, but neither he nor coach Will Hardy was willing to hear them out.
In a humorous moment caught on television, Love even covered Hardy’s ears to prevent him from hearing the fans’ “We want Love” chant.
Related: Jazz Smash Clippers In Regular Season Opener
Jazz fans chanting “WE WANT LOVE” and Kevin Love covers the ear of HC Will Hardy 😂 pic.twitter.com/o6LcWz7U01
— SleeperJazz (@SleeperJazz) October 23, 2025
Kevin Love Covers Will Hardy’s Ears To Avoid Playing
With the Jazz owning a 20-point lead through the majority of Wednesday’s contest, fans wanted to see the coaching staff empty its bench.
While second-year forward Cody Williams substituted into the game in the waning minutes, veterans Love and Kyle Anderson stayed seated.
Fans began chanting for the future Hall of Famer to be put in the game, but Hardy shook his head at the fans in disagreement.
That’s when the 37-year-old stood up and covered Hardy’s ears with his hands to block out the noise.
Love’s plan worked, as the forward was able to remain on the bench for the final seconds of the victory.
Kevin Love Teases Billups, Rozier After Arrest
While most members of the NBA are staying tight-lipped about Thursday’s arrests of Portland Trail Blazers head coach Chauncey Billups and Miami Heat guard Terry Rozier, Love wasted no time posting memes about the indictments on Instagram.
Related: Billups, Rozier Arrested For Roles In Alleged Gambling Scheme
In one post, Love shared an altered photo of Billups with his arms wrapped around Rozier, mimicking the Astronomer CEO and Chief People Officer who got caught sharing an intimate moment at a Coldplay concert.
Love captioned the post “NO (Draft) KINGS!!!” making fun of the popular gambling outlet DraftKings.
Perhaps making matters more awkward is the fact that Love and Rozier were teammates last year in Miami.
The Jazz acquired Love and Anderson during the offseason in a three-team trade involving the Heat and the Los Angeles Clippers.
Are you on Threads yet? Let’s connect, give us a follow @kslsports .
Download the new & improved KSL Sports app from Utah’s sports leader. You can stream live radio, video and stay up to date on all of your favorite teams.
Ben Anderson is the Utah Jazz insider for KSL Sports and the co-host of Jake and Ben from 10-12p with Jake Scott on 97.5 The KSL Sports Zone . Find Ben on Twitter at @BensHoops, on Instagram @BensHoops, or on BlueSky.