JR Smith seems to walk back reason for play at end of Game 1

J.R. Smith seems to have admitted that he wasn’t quite forthcoming with his explanation for his mistake late in Game 1 of the NBA Finals.

Smith grabbed an offensive rebound off a missed George Hill free throw and dribbled out the clock at the end of the fourth quarter, seemingly thinking the Cleveland Cavaliers were ahead when they were actually tied. After the game, Smith claimed he knew the score and was waiting for someone to call timeout.

On Saturday, he seemed to hedge a bit on his own explanation.

JR Smith goes back in his explanation of his execution at the end of Game 1 because he knew the game was tied: “After thinking about it … I can’t say I was sure of anything at that point”

— Dave McMenamin (@mcten) June 2, 2018

JR Smith, asked if he told LeBron he thought the Cavs were ahead: “I might have said that” pic.twitter.com/xDRroouFBA

— Sports Illustrated (@SInow) June 2, 2018

Smith messed up. Everyone knows it, in spite of his efforts to save face. On Sunday, he’ll have a chance to make things right and put it all behind him.