LeBron James gallantly tried to beat the star-studded Golden State Warriors in 2018 for the second time in four straight years. Cleveland Cavaliers only managed to win one game in the 2017 final and wanted to do better.
The four-time MVP did everything he could and scored a game-high 51 points, but the Cavaliers lost in overtime. The game was better known for the JR Smith slip-up.
Smith didn’t realize the game was a tie and dribbled out the clock despite having a chance to win. James was furious after the game and stormed off knowing they missed a series-changing opportunity.
Andre Iguodala, in an episode of “The point forward‘, shared his thoughts on what he saw in that fateful game:
“Is [LeBron James] hurt his hand hitting a wall, how much, we don’t know, but he’s like, ‘Man, it’s over! Not that he’d admit it, but it’s the truth! People don’t understand that. They’re like, ‘Oh, never mind, it’s a game.’
“No! They are really important, so everything is important in their final.”
JR Smith’s mistake in Game 1 is still wild a year later
One of the most viral moments in Finale history JR Smith’s mistake in Game 1 is still wild a year later ???? https://t.co/osIJ80aV0I
The Warriors were a point clear after a Steph Curry free throw with 4.6 seconds remaining. LeBron James went for the last shot but passed the ball to a slicing George Hill held by Klay Thompson. With the Bay Area team in a penalty situation, Hill had a chance to put the lead back to the Cavs.
JR Smith grabbed the missed second free throw as the game tied at 107. Instead of working towards a potential winner of the game, Smith made one of the most egregious mistakes in professional sports history. He dribbled the ball back out and blew the Cavs’ greatest chance to steal Game 1 on the street.
Who knows how the series would have ended if the Cavaliers had won that game. Andre Iguodala claimed it was the best performance he’s ever seen from LeBron James live. “King James” added 8 rebounds, 8 assists, a steal and a block to his 51 points.
The Warriors had a lineup that included Kevin Durant, Steph Curry, Klay Thompson, Andre Iguodala and Draymond Green. Cleveland countered with James, Smith, Hill, Kevin Love and Tristan Thompson.
Kevin Durant has been your 2018 NBA Finals MVP for years. He’s only the sixth player to do so.
Kevin Durant has been your 2018 NBA Finals MVP for years. He’s only the sixth player to do so. https://t.co/rJkpoqE3aA
The disparity in firepower was too great to overcome when the Cavaliers were swept.
LeBron James’ brilliance would not have been enough to beat the star-studded Golden State Warriors
In the 2018 NBA Finals, LeBron James still stood out among the best players in the NBA. He averaged 34.0 points, 8.5 rebounds, 10.3 assists and 1.3 blocks. Only two players on that Cleveland Cavaliers team averaged double-digit points, James and Kevin Love, who had 19.0.
Is his 2018 playoff run the best of his career?
Four years ago today, LeBron James opened the 2018 Finals with a 51-point blast in a loss to the Golden State Warriors. Is his 2018 playoff run the best of his career? https://t.co/5oRZVerLcu
Had the Cavaliers upset in Game 1, the Warriors’ shooting, chemistry and star power would have been too much in the end.
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