J.R. Smith believes LeBron James still carries frustration from one of the most memorable moments of the 2018 NBA Finals, when Smith’s late-game decision in Game 1 against the Golden State Warriors became a defining moment of the series.
Speaking on Pivot Podcast, Smith explained his thought process during the final seconds of regulation. After grabbing an offensive rebound with the score tied late in the fourth quarter, Smith said he expected the Cleveland Cavaliers to call a timeout and organize a final possession.
“I got the rebound. I’m thinking we’re going to call a timeout because at that point the game is possessional,” Smith said.
Smith said his intention was to avoid forcing a difficult shot and create a better opportunity for James, who had scored 49 points in the game and carried Cleveland throughout the night.
“I’m thinking, okay, bet. We’re not about to rush. We’re going to get the best shot possible. Any other time, you get the rebound, call timeout, get it to your best player and let them make the play,” Smith said.
Instead, Smith said he did not hear a whistle and believed play would continue. With Golden State forward Kevin Durant defending near him, Smith decided to dribble away from the basket rather than attempt a contested shot.
“I didn’t hear no whistle. So I’m like, alright, I’m going to take this to the corner. Let me get some space. KD’s seven foot. I ain’t about to shoot over this dude when he right here,” Smith said.
Smith then explained that he believed the Warriors were denying James the ball, so he attempted to create space and eventually get the ball back to Cleveland’s star.
“It looked like they were trying to deny LeBron. So I’m dribbling it out to get the ball to LeBron,” Smith said.
The play became controversial because Smith appeared to believe Cleveland had the lead after the rebound, when the score was actually tied 107-107. He moved away from the basket instead of attempting a shot or calling timeout, and the game went to overtime after the Cavaliers failed to score.
Smith said he understood the reaction from James afterward, describing the moment as confusion more than anger.
“He was hot. He was confused because he didn’t understand what is happening,” Smith said.
The Cavaliers eventually lost Game 1 in overtime, 124-114, after leading by as many as 13 points. James finished with 51 points, eight rebounds and eight assists, but Cleveland dropped the series in four games.
Smith said he felt James expected him to make a decision that would maximize the team’s chances.
“I’m literally looking at him like, ‘Bro, this is your job. That’s why you get the big bucks. They don’t pay me enough for this,’” Smith said.
