The Cavs squandered a 51-point night from LeBron James, and blew a golden opportunity to steal Game of the NBA Finals at Oracle thanks in no small part to J.R. Smith making one of the most boneheaded plays in NBA Finals history.
With just over 4 seconds left in regulation, Smith secured an offensive rebound on George Hill’s missed free throw with the game tied at 107, and inexplicably dribbled the ball out past the three point line with just over four seconds left in regulation rather than looking for the game winner. Based on the replay, it appears Smith thought the Cavs had the lead. They didn’t. A fact that wasn’t lost on an enraged LeBron James, and every person on social media.
Following the game, Smith talked to the press, and tried to make the case that he knew the game was tied and thought the Cavs were going to take a time out. It’s a tough sell based on the fact the play was televised and most watching have eyes. Either way, Smith wasn’t admitting anything. It doesn’t change the fact the Cavs blew a golden opportunity, and Smith’s head-scratcher of a play couldn’t have come at a worse time.
Here’s J.R, trying to sell the unsellable.
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