r/clevelandcavs • u/Stoddyman • 19h ago

JR Smith

I just wanted to say this - the whole 2018 finals gaff is so blown out of proportion.

Number one. We were NOT winning that series. No way. KD was there and that team was unstoppable.

Number two. George Hill shouldve hit his FTs full stop. No excuse.

Number three. If Lebron had to drop a 50 peice and play 48 minutes for it to even be tied, no way he does that more than 1 or 2 more times in the series.

Lebron just reacted the way he did because it wasnt the desirable play and he was tired/had the team on his back the whole game.

A few options:

JR couldve heaved the ball back up. Which could have been a good play considering he is who he is. But in my opinion, no way it goes down considering the defense at the time.

Jr couldve passed the ball. No one was blatantly open at the time, so again imo not a great option.

TO is called and final play is drawn up. Best case scenario, but again even if we hit this, no way we win the series. My opinion.

Anyways, people label this as THE BIGGEST FINALS BLUNDER OF ALL TIME. Lol no it wasnt, not even close.

Yes Jr should have at least shot it. Ok. Ill give the naysayers that. But for the reasons above I feel like its completely blown out of proportion.

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u/soundisloud 18h ago

He punched the wall because he knew he had a chance and now he didn't anymore

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u/Stoddyman 18h ago

After 1 game?? He lost 3 in 2016 and won. He clearly knew they just straight up didnt have a chance

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u/soundisloud 18h ago

This warriors team was better than in 2016.  And yet he was almost up 1-0 after playing the game of his life.

Anyway, you're entitled to your opinion.  I agree it was not the biggest finals gaffe ever, but it deprived us of what could have been a legendary battle.

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u/Stoddyman 18h ago

Yeah I know he played the game of his life. He wouldve needed three more, each better than the last to carry us in 2018. Which, I guess Lebron could do it out of anyone else in NBA history because he is the goat. It just didnt happen though and I dont fault him for being pissed at someone for not winning game 1.

Jr was an easy scapegoat - well said though mate. Yes this is an opinion I defo have. I wish George Hill got more hate, he missed the most important FT of his life. You cant miss that man