There is one distinct factor that connects both the 1991 and 2009 NBA Eastern Conference Finals. The losing team’s best players forewent the traditional handshake which the players exchange at the end of the game. LeBron James and Isiah Thomas didn’t shake the hands of their opponents after a bitter loss. However, in the latter’s case the entire team walked off the court.

The ‘Bad Boys Pistons’ got a lot of heat for walking off the court without shaking the hands of the Chicago Bulls players. There were still 7.9 seconds to be played in the game, but Thomas and the team decided to walk off which enraged the Bulls and many others.

This incident rose up from the ground when it was detailed on the recent episode of ‘The Last Dance.’ Jordan’s expressions meant how he can never stop hating the Pistons for their unsportsmanlike conduct. 

LeBron James and his walk-off after the 2009 ECF

The Cleveland Cavaliers holding the best record in the regular season faced off against the Orlando Magic in the 2009 ECF Finals. After making clean sweeps against Detriot and Atlanta, the Cavs went up against Dwight Howard’s Orlando Magic. 

LeBron James was a beast throughout the series and averaged 38.5 points per game. He did not have much support in the roster and carried the Cavs on the back of his shoulders. Cleveland won games two and five while their opponents came out on top in the other three games. 

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Game 6 was Cleveland’s home game and they had to win to stretch the series to Game 7. It had to be done by James and co. Their team had been impressive all season and it all came down to this night to keep their hopes alive of reaching the finals. 

Orlando dominated the first half gained momentum largely. The Cavs certainly looked like they could bounce back, but Dwight Howard was simply brilliant on the night. He racked up 40 points, and eventually the Magic took the honors of reaching the finals. The scoreline read 103-90 in their favor.

Having won his first league MVP award, James was full of raging passion to make the finals. He could not take it knowing that he is not going to be in the finals. Right after the final buzzer ended, he had no thought of shaking hands or giving out hugs. James walked back straight to the locker room which surprised many. His teammates stayed on the court, while the best player in the ECF walked off with a dejected face.

The three-time champion faced harsh comments for his act of leaving the court, failing to keep up with the traditions. Every sport around the world has the unspoken rule of giving out hugs and handshakes to your opponents once the game ends. But, at times, a loss messes up too much of an athlete’s mind that the pain becomes unbearable. James’ infamous walk-off is one such instance.