Image Source: NBA Sports
[Saba Sports News] After the Dallas Mavericks’ loss to the Boston Celtics in the NBA Finals, Kyrie Irving demonstrated notable sportsmanship by shaking hands with the Celtics players. Reflecting on this gesture, Irving explained it was a sign of respect for their journey and achievements.
“Every series was emotional, with uncertainty on how it would go and how we would respond to adversity,” Irving said. “The Celtics beat us fair and square. We couldn’t respond to their runs or execute at a high level. Shaking their hands was a sign of respect for their journey.”
Irving highlighted the Celtics’ perseverance over the past five years, enduring Game 7s and Finals losses. He admired their focus on team success rather than individual accolades, noting how this mindset helped them stay resilient.
Irving’s gesture symbolized respect for his former teammates, including Jaylen Brown and Jayson Tatum, despite the hostility he faced from Celtics fans after leaving in 2019. He praised their collective effort and the importance of each player embracing their role for the team’s greater good.
The Celtics’ 18th NBA championship was a culmination of years of hard work and overcoming adversity. Irving acknowledged their growth and expressed admiration for their handling of past disappointments to achieve success. He also shared his hope that the Mavericks could learn from this experience and grow stronger as a team, motivated to return and compete for a championship in the future.
Irving’s gesture underscored the importance of sportsmanship and shared respect among NBA competitors.