Kevin Garnett, Kevin McHale share emotional moment

Kevin McHale supported Kevin Garnett as he jumped from high school to the NBA. Friday, Garnett supported McHale as he continues to go through an emotionally devastating period in his life.

After McHale's Houston Rockets beat Garnett's Boston Celtics, the pair united for an extended and teary hug. McHale's 23-year-old daughter, Sasha, died last month after a battle with Lupus.

McHale ran the Minnesota Timberwolves and selected Garnett out of high school with the fifth pick in the 1995 draft. He was the first high schooler drafted in 20 years.

"I saw Kevin and had an emotional moment with him," said Garnett, who rarely shows his soft side.

Garnett spent 12 seasons with McHale and the T'wolves, winning an MVP and reaching the Western Conference finals once. McHale traded him to the Celtics, with whom McHale played 13 seasons, in 2007. McHale was fired in 2009.

Friday, McHale's Rockets had the upper hand in a 101-89 victory. Garnett finished with 14 points and five rebounds.

Then he gave support to his former mentor, the emotion obvious on both men's faces.

Celtics guard Courtney Lee, who played last season for McHale's Rockets, also gave his former coach a hug.

"I got to go over and give him a hug and talk for a little bit," Lee said. "I saw the tears rolling down his face and it was definitely an emotional time for me."

Contributing: The Associated Press