JR Smith had one of the biggest mental lapses in NBA playoff history at the end of Game 1 of the Finals on Thursday, and you knew the most outspoken player on the Golden State Warriors’ roster would have something to say about it.
As you have likely seen, Smith grabbed an offensive rebound on a free throw with the game tied and just seconds remaining in regulation. Instead of going right up with the ball and trying to hit a game-winning shot, he pulled it out and looked like he was trying to kill the clock. When Green and Stephen Curry were asked about the play, Green’s reaction was priceless.
Draymond Green with an absolutely priceless reaction when told JR Smith told reporters he knew game was tied….. wait for it… pic.twitter.com/HRjxiwGOtn
— 95.7 The Game (@957thegame) June 1, 2018
The assumption was that Smith thought the Cavs had a lead, but he later claimed he knew it was tied and expected Tyronn Lue to call a timeout. While Green’s face said it all, he also offered up his own theory.
“I guess that further goes along with my theory,” Green said. “I thought he was looking for LeBron (James). I would have looked for LeBron too, I guess.”
LeBron was understandably furious over the play, and his reaction led to Smith becoming an instant meme sensation. The Cavs went on to lose in overtime, so the mistake proved to be incredibly costly.
