
USA Today via Reuters
NBA, Basketball Herren, USA Preseason-Atlanta Hawks at Cleveland Cavaliers, Oct 4, 2017 Cleveland, OH, USA Cleveland Cavaliers guard JR Smith center and forward LeBron James right and other Cavs players watch from the bench during the second half against the Atlanta Hawks at Quicken Loans Arena. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports, 04.10.2017 20:37:46, 10327841, NPStrans, LeBron James, Quicken Loans Arena, Atlanta Hawks, NBA, Cleveland Cavaliers PUBLICATIONxINxGERxSUIxAUTxONLY Copyright: xKenxBlazex 10327841

USA Today via Reuters
NBA, Basketball Herren, USA Preseason-Atlanta Hawks at Cleveland Cavaliers, Oct 4, 2017 Cleveland, OH, USA Cleveland Cavaliers guard JR Smith center and forward LeBron James right and other Cavs players watch from the bench during the second half against the Atlanta Hawks at Quicken Loans Arena. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports, 04.10.2017 20:37:46, 10327841, NPStrans, LeBron James, Quicken Loans Arena, Atlanta Hawks, NBA, Cleveland Cavaliers PUBLICATIONxINxGERxSUIxAUTxONLY Copyright: xKenxBlazex 10327841
LeBron James has had a storied stint with the Cleveland Cavaliers. Many NBA enthusiasts think the league has seen James’ version since his second time with Cleaveland. After winning the championship in 2016, the Cavaliers won trips to the finals for the next two seasons, too. However, they fell short. Fans remember their run in the 2018 finals for an infamous on-court play.?
Fans and spectators labeled the moment as a grave and elementary mistake. In fact, Cav’s mistake and LeBron’s reaction paved the way for a plethora of memes on the internet.?Anyhow, James’ Cavs teammate who was then at the epicenter of all the drama, once broke the silence at the unforgettable moment.
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When LeBron James’ ex-teammate broke the silence on a devastating NBA Finals moment
In 2018, the Cleveland Cavaliers faced off against the Golden State Warriors for the fourth consecutive time in the NBA Finals. We saw two teammates tied during the last moments of the game.?Cavs guard George Hill had then missed two free throws. However, JR Smith was quick to get the offensive rebound.
Not knowing that the game was tied and expecting his side will call a time-out, Smith dribbled away from the bucket, instead of attempting a shot. The game went to overtime, and the GSW had the last laugh, despite LeBron James scoring an iconic 51 points that night.
This moment gave way to many memes and some even jokingly said JR Smith was high back then.

via Getty
OAKLAND, CA – JUNE 03: LeBron James #23 of the Cleveland Cavaliers reacts against the Golden State Warriors in Game 2 of the 2018 NBA Finals at ORACLE Arena on June 3, 2018 in Oakland, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
During his appearance on Uninterrupted’s?IMAN AMONGST MEN?podcast, Smith broke the silence about the incident. “Say if you were to smoke before a game. We get on the bus two hours before the game. Get to the arena. Got hour and a half before the game, chilling, working out,” said Smith.
He further adds, “So if somebody did smoke before a game, he is not gonna be high three hours later.”
Apart from breaking the silence on the memes about him being high, JR Smith also recalled what prompted him to dribble out.
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JR Smith explains why he dribbled out
As JR Smith puts it, when he seized the offensive rebound, opponents, including Kevin Durant, surrounded him. Besides, teams usually call a time-out when in such a circumstance. Since they did not call the time-out and Smith could not surpass KD, dribbling out was his last resort.
Anyhow, the heartbreaking moment for the Cavs to this day is a meme and an elementary mistake for the NBA world. What are your thoughts on JR Smith’s comments? Have you seen the infamous moment live? Tell us in the comments below.
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