The Miami Heat beat the Boston Celtics 101-88 in Game 7 of the Eastern Conference finals on Saturday, and there was plenty of respect exchanged between the teams after the game. Well, except for the two Celtics who skipped out early.
Kevin Garnett and Rajon Rondo left the floor before the game ended and could be seen walking through the tunnel to their locker room, just like Paul Pierce did during Game 2. Coach Doc Rivers had subbed out his starters in the final minute when it was clear the team would not manage a comeback, and neither player stuck around to exchange handshakes and hugs like the rest of the team.
KG and Rondo are known as two of the more competitive players in the league, so it’s no surprise that they would be ticked off after seeing their season end. Still, it’s proper sportsmanship to congratulate the opposing team when you have been outplayed. LeBron James learned that lesson the hard way when he was criticized for walking off the floor after losing to the Magic in 2009.
