J.R. Smith on Game 1 Mistake: 'I Can’t Say I Was Sure of Anything at That Point'

LeBron James defended Smith in a press conference Saturday, saying he has "an uncanny ability to bounce back."

After the Cavaliers' J.R. Smith's big mistake in Thursday's Game 1 loss to the Warriors, Smith said he knew the game was tied.

But he backtracked Saturday, saying, “After thinking about it a lot ... I can’t say I was sure of anything at that point."

JR Smith on whether or not he knew the score at the end of regulation:

“After thinking about a lot the last 24 hours…I can’t say I was sure of anything at that point” pic.twitter.com/FJovbweZFz

— Sports Illustrated (@SInow) June 2, 2018

Smith was also asked if he told LeBron James that he thought the Cavs were ahead because it appeared he was mouthing that after the play. In response Smith said he "might have said that."

JR Smith, asked if he told LeBron he thought the Cavs were ahead: “I might have said that” pic.twitter.com/xDRroouFBA

— Sports Illustrated (@SInow) June 2, 2018

The controversy happened in the final seconds of regulation. Smith got the rebound from George Hill's missed free throw, but instead of putting it up, Smith took the ball to the three-point line near James. After a quick verbal exchange with James as both were too far away to get a clean shot off, Smith passed it to Hill in the corner. Hill was unable to get a shot off in time and the game went to overtime. The Cavs lost 124–114. 

James defended Smith in a press conference Saturday, saying he has "an uncanny ability to bounce back."

LeBron on JR Smith's ability to bounce back.#GameTime | #NBAFinals pic.twitter.com/ITFMBUTpup

— NBA TV (@NBATV) June 2, 2018

The Cavaliers take on the Warriors in Game 2 on Sunday at 8 p.m. ET.