Cavaliers Veteran breaks unwritten rule against Raptors: ‘It was no class’

It was not necessary to score.

Tristan Thompson could have dribbled the clock out as the last seconds crossed away in Cleveland’s blowout victory over Toronto Raptors. No one at Toronto played defense and expected both teams to end the game and go to the dressing room.

But Thompson broke the unwritten rule and threw one last second dunk to set up Cleveland with 23.

“I think what Tristan did was no class and disrespect,” said Raptors coach Darko Rajaković after the game. “I don’t want to stand for it, for sure.”

Raptors didn’t.

Scottie Barnes got up from the bench to confront Thompson. Rookie -Guard Jamal Shead went over, clearly upset. Thompson did not go back, not detained by the upright as a crowd gathered at the Center Court. Cavalier’s teammates and staff quickly stepped in and led Thompson away from the Swarm of Raptors players.

“I’m really glad that our guys, our players from Jamal, he was on the field, and Scottie and everyone else they stood up for themselves,” said Rajaković. “I love when my team stands up for itself. It was no class. “

Cavaliers were also amazed at the whole situation.

“I’m not sure what he was thinking,” said Cavaliers coach Kenny Atkinson. “I know with Tristan, there’s no bad intention there. I think just sometimes you play and the goal of the game is to score. Unfortunate.”

The 33-year-old Thompson played fewer than four minutes, in the waste time, in what was Cleveland’s last trip to Toronto this season. Given his role and age it could have been his last game in Toronto completely.