Shumpert: JR’s Finals Blunder Still Haunts

Shumpert Still Bitter About JR Smith’s Infamous Finals Mistake

Iman Shumpert, speaking on ‘Club Shay Shay’, didn’t hold back when discussing one of the most pivotal and perplexing moments in recent NBA Finals history: J.R. Smith’s Game 1 blunder against the Golden State Warriors. Shumpert, who was traded to the Cleveland Cavaliers during that season but was still keenly aware of the events unfolding, expressed his profound disappointment and even ‘sickness’ over Smith’s decision in the dying moments of regulation.

The context was a tied game, with LeBron James having just delivered what Shumpert described as potentially his ‘best playoff game ever,’ a masterful 51-point performance. George Hill then missed a crucial free throw that could have put the Cavaliers ahead. The rebound fell to Smith. Instead of attempting a shot or calling a timeout, Smith inexplicably dribbled the ball out towards half-court, seemingly forgetting the score and the time remaining.

“Uh but yeah, I was sick when JR did that sh*t,” Shumpert stated unequivocally. “You don’t call nobody after some sh*t like that… I just felt like he was trying to do the right thing. Usually his rap in the league was that he do reckless sh*t. And in that moment he was trying not to be reckless and I was so mad cuz I’m like you are the 911 the broken play. It came to you cuz the basketball gods was like he’s going to know what to do with it.”

Shumpert elaborated on the sheer disbelief he felt watching the play unfold. He emphasized that Smith’s usual persona was one of impulsive, sometimes reckless, action. In this critical juncture, however, Smith appeared hesitant, contemplating the situation rather than relying on his instincts. This uncharacteristic indecisiveness, according to Shumpert, was the most jarring aspect.

“And for that moment he thought he liked don’t be that guy. Cuz he wanted to win that bad. Don’t be that guy that messed this up in the moment. and he hesitated and thought and I’m like, ‘You never do that. I’ve never seen you do that. I’ve actually never seen you do that.’ It was weird seeing a confused face on Jr. I’m like, he usually either you make a left or you make a right. But JR look you dead in the eye and make the decision. I’m like I I didn’t understand that. And I was like I just wish you could have that moment that one moment back.”

While Shumpert wasn’t on the court for that specific play, having been traded to the Cavaliers earlier that season and dealing with plantar fasciitis that sidelined him, he vividly recalled the chaotic atmosphere surrounding the team during that period. He described the intense media scrutiny, with reporters seemingly everywhere, even in the locker room.

Navigating the Media Storm

“Man had media hanging all in our locker room, man. We getting interviewed butt ass naked, dog,” Shumpert recounted, painting a picture of the overwhelming media presence. “I ain’t even got time to all the way get right before they in there. Asian media stepping on your foot while you in the flipflops.” He also touched upon the dynamics with teammates, noting how Carmelo Anthony, for instance, might have appreciated Kyrie Irving drawing media attention away from him.

Guarding the League’s Elite

The conversation then shifted to the daunting task of defending some of the NBA’s greatest offensive talents. Shumpert was asked to compare guarding Kobe Bryant, Kyrie Irving, Stephen Curry, and Derrick Rose.

“When I first got in the league, Kobe. But if Kobe not playing for a championship is not as much to deal with,” Shumpert began. “But it’s hard to play against somebody you know can shoot it. He can shoot whatever he want. He ain’t coming out. But you got to play efficient or you coming out. I was a rookie. Um, I say Kobe when I first came, but out of them, Steph, cuz I feel like I could slide with all of them. I I’m pretty much a fan of all of them, but Steph don’t really have a package.”

Shumpert elaborated on Curry’s unique challenge: his seemingly effortless shooting and movement off the ball. Unlike players with more predictable offensive sequences, Curry’s ability to pull up from anywhere and his constant movement off screens made him exceptionally difficult to contain.

“Like it’s not like James going to go twin cross, twin cross, twin cross, and then it’s a variation of stepbacks. Kyrie might start his dribble this way, but he might be doing his breaks might be under the leg or behind the back, but it’s like a package. I kind of know and get familiar with their movements. Steph was one of the only guys that the moment I slid with him and start a little bit figuring out his handle, it was like you pass, run off two, three screens, push me, now he wide open. And it was like he not going to let me. My gift doesn’t work with him. Like I have a gift. I can slide. I can do this with anybody. Like it’s hard. You only get two arms. You not going to cross me.”

He described Curry’s ability to shoot from extreme distances, forcing defenders to stay attached even far beyond the three-point line. “He’ll come… that you got to pick up the half. You literally the half from the half court on he’s a legitimate.” While acknowledging Kyrie Irving’s superior ball-handling skills, Shumpert maintained that Curry’s overall offensive game, particularly his off-ball movement and shooting range, presented a unique defensive puzzle.

Jordan vs. LeBron: A Chicago Kid’s Perspective

The discussion inevitably turned to the perennial “Greatest Of All Time” debate, with Shumpert weighing in on Michael Jordan versus LeBron James. As a Chicago native, Shumpert’s allegiance and perspective were clear.

“You told LeBron that Jordan is better than him. What he What did he say? How’d he laugh? He knew he knew I was going to say it though. Like he know that. He know that. Even though he is the great the great one that did he know one I’m a Chicago kid. You know what I’m saying?”

Shumpert explained his reasoning, highlighting Jordan’s undefeated record in the NBA Finals as a significant factor. He also admired Jordan’s killer instinct and willingness to take the game-winning shot, a trait he felt LeBron sometimes deferred on.

“I how LeBron at the end of the game can pass to somebody. If it was my team I wouldn’t do that. I would you taking that shot cuz I I’m gonna take the DNA of Mike. That’s what I grew up watching. That’s the way I like the game played. So, it’s like to see Braun defer sometimes and do certain stuff. That’s why I put him over. Plus, it’s like Mike never lost in a championship. So, that’s why. But it’s like as far as breaking records and accolades and all the rest of this sh*t, it’s like, dog, I I’ve been giving Braun his props. It’s just how you going to do that to me? How you going to tell my childhood self I’m wrong?”

For Shumpert, Jordan represented more than just a basketball player; he was a figure who provided solace and inspiration during difficult times, likening his impact to saving lives through his performances. This deep personal connection solidified his view of Jordan’s unparalleled legacy.

Source: Iman Shumpert On J.R. Smith: “I was sick when J.R. did that sh*t.” I CLUB SHAY SHAY (YouTube)