Earlier in the NBA's postseason, Cavs veteran sharpshooter J.R. Smith called Pacers guard Lance Stephenson a "clown" for his weird antics on the court—presumably including his dirty play. Now, J.R. is being accused of the same thing.
In the fourth quarter of Game 2 of the Eastern Conference Finals, Smith pushed Celtics big man Al Horford as he attempted to catch a pass near the basket.
Things got HEATED at TD Garden, but the #Celtics extend the 4th qtr lead after a flagrant foul on JR Smith who pushed Al Horford on this play...pic.twitter.com/vVQna8s0Pz
J.R. was whistled for a flagrant foul. After the game, he said it was a "good call" and admitted he "blatantly pushed" Horford.
J.R. Smith on his flagrant foul for shoving Al Horford in midair: “It was a good call. I blatantly pushed him.” pic.twitter.com/5v2ctqcIez
Horford's teammates, including Celtics guard Marcus Smart, stood up for his teammate and got in Smith's face.
Marcus Smart had Al Horford's back. 😠 pic.twitter.com/Q18NctWeSD
PAY MARCUS SMART THE SUPER-MAX
Smart aired his frustrations with Smith post-game and accused him of playing a "dirty" style of basketball.
"That's a dirty shot," Smart said of the foul. "You just can't allow that to keep happening. It's not the first time J.R. has done some dirty stuff, especially playing against us. He's known for it, especially playing against us. We know that. It's like a bully; you keep letting a bully pick on you, he's going to keep picking on you until you stand up."
"That's a dirty shot." Marcus Smart talked about JR's shove after the game. pic.twitter.com/jh8AgaUCWd
Game 3 is slated for Saturday at 8:30 p.m. EST in Cleveland, as the Cavs, who are down 2-0, will look to climb back into the series.
