J.R. Smith admitted before Game 2 of the NBA Finals that he no longer knew exactly what went through his mind during his blackout in Game 1. He thus withdrew his previous statement that he had known the score. But now he was looking ahead anyway.
“After thinking about the game for the last 24 hours – or however long it’s been – I have to say, “I wasn’t at all sure what was happening at the time,” he explained to the assembled reporters before Game 2.
He admitted that his statement against the Golden State Warriors, which had been lost, was not true. He had said that after his offensive rebound 4.7 seconds before the end he knew very well that it was a 107:107 draw – he had only assumed that his team would take a time-out. That’s why he didn’t seek closure, but dribbled away from the basket. As the time ran out, there was overtime in which the Cavs finally lost.
Smith was now also asked whether it was true that he said directly after his faux pas to an angry LeBron James: “I thought we were ahead.” He now said: It may well be that I said that. I’m not sure anymore, but it’s possible.”
Now Smith doesn’t want to let this distract him anymore, but he wants to look forward to game 2 and the remaining finals. “That’s the way I’ve done it all my career. I’ve always been the center of many jokes and jokes and the guy who does something crazy. That’s why everybody’s looking at me. But I just get back on the floor, play the next game and be myself again. I don’t dwell so much on other things.”