In the moments following what will go down as one of the most infamous gaffes in NBA Finals history, J.R. Smith failed to admit to his mistake.
Even after footage from the moment indicated otherwise, Smith insisted he did in fact know the score was tied when he inexplicably dribbled out the clock at the end of regulation in Game 1 of the NBA Finals on Thursday night.
In Game 2, Smith didn't fare much better, as he scored just 5 points on 2-of-9 shooting in the Cavs' 122-103 loss. But while he didn't provide the same sort of viral moment he did the game prior, this time, Smith was willing to take ownership of his outing.
“Terrible,” Smith answered when asked to describe his performance on Sunday night. “I have to shoot the ball better. I have to defend better.”
It was a rough go from the start for Smith, who was reminded of his Game 1 blunder by the fans at Oakland's Oracle Arena throughout the night. During player introductions, Smith received a sarcastic cheer from Warriors fans, who later showered the 14th-year veteran with satirical "MVP" chants while he was at the free throw line.
After the game, Smith insisted to reporters that he was unbothered by the treatment he received from Warriors fans.
“I liked it," Smith said."I’d rather them do that than not acknowledge me.”
While that may be the case, it's tough to imagine the Cavs turning these Finals into a competitive series unless Smith emerges from his postseason slump. In each of the Cavs' first 20 playoff games this season, Smith has reached double figures scoring nine times, while shooting .362 percent from 3-point range -- his worst postseason average in three years.
Down 0-2 to the defending NBA champions, time is running out for Smith to turn around what's been a nightmare of a postseason. The good news for the Cavs is starting with Game 3 on Wednesday, they'll be back home in Cleveland, where at the very least, the cheers for their starting shooting guard won't be sarcastic.
