Golden State Warriors fans were on top of their game during Game 2 on Sunday, giving Cleveland Cavaliers guard J.R. Smith a standing ovation during pregame warmups.
Smith, of course, infamously dribbled out the clock with the score tied during regulation of Game 1, allowing the Warriors to eventually pull out the win in overtime.
Later in Game 2, Smith was serenaded with chants of “MVP” while attempting a pair of free throws in the first quarter.
The Cavs would go on to lose Game 2 of The Finals, 122-103, and are in a 2-0 series hole to the defending NBA-champion Warriors. After the defeat, Smith said he heard the fans’ mocking ‘M-V-P’ chants and said it did not bother him.
“I’m always the person who the fans like to talk to or heckle or whatever, so, I like it,” Smith said. “I’d rather them do that than not acknowledge me at all, so, I appreciate it.”
With an honest self-assessment of his performance in Game 2, JR Smith understands he has to be better for the @cavs.#WhateverItTakes | #NBAFinals pic.twitter.com/806rCwAoRs
— FOX Sports Cincinnati (@FOXSportsCincy) June 4, 2018
Smith admitted Saturday that he may not have been clear about the score in the final seconds of Game 1. When told that cameras appeared to catch him saying “I thought we were ahead,” to LeBron James, Smith said, “I might have said that. I’m not for sure, but I might have.”
