MANILA, Philippines — Cleveland Cavaliers guard J.R. Smith is currently riding the wave on social media. Only it’s not for a pleasant reason.
Twitter users have blasted Smith on Friday for wasting the final seconds of regulation of the NBA Finals Game One.
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Tied with the Golden State Warriors at 107, Smith corralled a free throw miss off teammate George Hill, dribbled it back to the right wing and let the clock run out.
The play that decided Game 1. pic.twitter.com/e1UeOv57Rn
— ESPN (@espn) June 1, 2018
Spectators online were quick to cast judgment on Smith, who they felt could’ve scored a basket or drew a foul to put the Cavaliers ahead just as the clock expired.
Smith’s play not only incensed Cavs fans but also LeBron James, who finished the game with a herculean 51 points in the losing effort.
NBA players, too, couldn’t quite wrap their heads around the play.
Jr is on that henny lol pic.twitter.com/0GBhgXjVyt
— Joel Embiid (@JoelEmbiid) June 1, 2018
Did he think they were up one?????
— Dirk Nowitzki (@swish41) June 1, 2018
I don’t care what y’all say about JR,
— Zach LaVine (@ZachLaVine) June 1, 2018
I kno Gorge hill is the maddest person in the lockeroom????
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— Paul Pierce (@paulpierce34) June 1, 2018
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— Evan Turner (@thekidet) June 1, 2018
????
— DeMarcus Cousins (@boogiecousins) June 1, 2018
Naw. Are you serious?
— Brandon Jennings (@brandonjennings) June 1, 2018
Smith will likely try to redeem himself in Game Two of the best-of-seven series which resumes on Monday, 8 a.m. here.