JR Smith, Ty Lue differ on explanation for blunder

JR Smith seems to be trying to cover his tracks for his mental mistake at the end of Game 1 of the NBA Finals on Thursday night.

After George Hill missed a free throw, the game between the Cleveland Cavaliers and Golden State Warriors was tied. Smith snagged an offensive rebound and then dribbled as if he thought the Cavs had the lead and he was running out the clock.

Video even appeared to show Smith explaining to LeBron James that he thought the Cavs were ahead rather than tied at 104.

“I thought we were ahead.” – JR Smith pic.twitter.com/OjCt4VMCEj

— Agent of NBA Chaos (@World_Wide_Wob) June 1, 2018

Alas, the game was tied and the mistake cost the Cavs a chance to try and win it. Cleveland got blown out in overtime.

After the game, everyone was asked about the play. Cavaliers head coach Ty Lue said Smith thought the team was ahead. Smith tried to cover his behind and tell everyone he knew the game was tied.

Ty Lue: "He thought it was over. He thought we were up 1."

JR Smith, in a postgame scrum: "I knew we were tied, I thought we were going to call timeout." (via @FOXSportsOH) pic.twitter.com/TA6qPIxVmi

— FOX Sports (@FOXSports) June 1, 2018

Unfortunately for JR, most think he’s lying, and the video evidence is a big reason why. At least he gave us a funny meme with his mistake.