After the New York Knicks won Game 5 against the San Antonio Spurs, clinching the series and ending a 53-year drought, Jalen Brunson displayed utmost sportsmanship before celebrating.
When the buzzer sounded, the Knicks’ superstar first approached Spurs head coach Mitch Johnson for a warm handshake and to show respect for a tight clash on the championship stage.
On the other hand, San Antonio exited straight to the locker room after the buzzer and avoided congratulating the Knicks.
Meanwhile, four-time champion Draymond Green said he was disappointed to see Spurs players leave the court without publicly congratulating the champion.
Brunson earned much praise for extending respect before celebrating, where he also emphasized that it was just natural for him to either win or lose.
“I hugged and said what’s up to Coach Johnson from the Spurs first, just to show respect… It was just kind of instinct, like how I was raised,” Brunson explained via CBS Mornings.
“I think win or loss, you show respect regardless of the outcome, and I’ve got a lot of respect for them over there.”
