The Cleveland Cavaliers lost Game 1 of the NBA Finals in a bitter way with 124:114 in overtime, as J.R. Smith made a serious mistake at the end of the game. LeBron James commented on this at the press conference – and broke it off after some time.
James was asked to what extent he was frustrated by Smith’s mistake and replied: “We have to look forward, this game is over. We had our options. I would never give up on J.R., it’s not my way. “I never give up one of my teammates, and they know it.”
James, who showed an outstanding game with 51 points, also said that it was no consolation for him that his team played well and almost won the game, although the Cavs were the clear underdog against Golden State. Rather, this was probably the most frustrating defeat of his career.
“I always live in the present, so I would confirm that. I don’t remember how frustrated I was after other defeats,” James replied to this question. “We showed our best game today in this postseason and we had a chance to own the ball. There were just a few plays that were taken away from us, so to speak. It’s that simple.”
James was referring primarily to an action at the end of the fourth quarter when he stood in the way of Kevin Durant and was first whistled an offensive foul. After a review, however, the referees decided on a blocking foul by James and Durant was allowed to go to the free-throw line instead. “That was a crucial play,” James said.
But then everything revolved around the action of Smith again, to which James reacted increasingly irritated. When asked about “his version,” he said, “What do you mean, my version?” When asked what Smith thought, he said, “How should I know?” Three more questions on the subject followed and James last said: “I don’t know his state of mind.”
James ended the press conference by hand and left the room with the words “Be better tomorrow”.