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Adam Hagy-USA TODAY Sports

LeBron James On JR Smith's Role During Iconic Block In 2016 NBA Finals

Originally posted on Fadeaway World | By Vishwesha Kumar | Last updated 4/10/24

The iconic chase-down block by LeBron James on Andre Iguodala during Game 7 of the 2016 NBA Finals is etched into basketball history as one of the defining moments of LeBron's illustrious career. However, in a recent episode of the 'Mind the Game' podcast with JJ Redick, LeBron took a moment to recognize the role his former teammate JR Smith played in setting up that unforgettable play.

"When I’m running, all I'm telling myself is like, ‘Swish, do not foul him. So, you can ask any of my teammates throughout the course of my career or throughout the course of that season, anytime that you see me trailing the play, all I need is a little adjustment from the offensive player and I promise you, I'll track it down."

"Do not fu***n foul. Do not fu***n foul. I told the guys all year, ‘If you see me hauling a**, just make hi, instead of just going in for a layup, make him change it a little bit.'"

"And Swish gets a lot of s**t today because of the blunder he had the following year, or two years later, or whatever the f**k it was, of not understanding the time and score or whatever the case may be. He executed that s**t to perfection. He made Iggy change his shot just a little bit, and that's all I asked."

LeBron recounted the pivotal moment, highlighting Smith's crucial involvement in the defensive sequence. As Stephen Curry and Andre Iguodala raced down the court with a two-on-one advantage, LeBron found himself trailing the play.

With his mind focused on preventing a foul, LeBron entrusted Smith to handle the defensive assignment. He instructed his teammates throughout the season to force offensive players to make slight adjustments when he was trailing the play, confident in his ability to track down any loose ball.

Despite the criticism Smith received for his infamous blunder in the 2018 NBA Finals, LeBron credited him for executing the defensive strategy to perfection during the 2016 Finals. By forcing Iguodala to alter his shot just enough, Smith bought LeBron the precious seconds he needed to execute the chase-down block that altered the course of the game.

LeBron's acknowledgment of Smith's contribution underscores the importance of teamwork and the often-overlooked role players in achieving greatness. While LeBron's block rightfully garnered the spotlight, it was the collective effort of the team, including Smith's defensive effort, that ultimately secured the victory for the Cavaliers.

The relationship between LeBron and Smith extends beyond their time on the court, with LeBron expressing gratitude for Smith's contributions to their championship-winning campaign. Despite Smith's error in the 2018 Finals appearance, LeBron's recognition of his former teammate's role in the iconic block serves as a reminder of the bond forged through shared triumphs and challenges.

As basketball fans reflect on LeBron's storied career and the unforgettable moments that have defined it, the acknowledgment of JR Smith's pivotal role in the 2016 NBA Finals adds another layer of appreciation for the teamwork and sacrifice required to achieve greatness on the grandest stage.

JR Smith Doesn't Get The Credit He Deserves

JR Smith, often known for his flamboyant personality and occasional on-court antics, is a player who doesn't always receive the credit he deserves for his contributions to the teams he played for. While he may have had his fair share of memorable moments, both good and bad, delving deeper into his career reveals a player whose impact extends far beyond the surface.

Throughout his career, Smith has showcased his versatility as a shooting guard, capable of scoring in bunches and providing valuable perimeter defense. Despite facing criticism for his shot selection at times, Smith's ability to catch fire from beyond the arc made him a potent offensive weapon for any team he played for.

One of Smith's best seasons came during the 2012-2013 campaign with the New York Knicks, where he averaged 18.1 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 2.7 assists per game while shooting 35.6% from three-point range. His scoring prowess earned him the NBA Sixth Man of the Year award, highlighting his ability to make an impact coming off the bench.

However, it was during his time with the Cleveland Cavaliers that Smith truly showcased his value as a key contributor to a championship-caliber team. Joining the Cavaliers midway through the 2014-2015 season, Smith quickly became a crucial piece of the puzzle alongside LeBron James and Kyrie Irving.

During the Cavaliers' championship run in the 2015-2016 season, Smith's role was pivotal, particularly during the playoffs. His ability to stretch the floor with his shooting opened up driving lanes for his teammates and provided crucial spacing on offense. In the playoffs that year, Smith averaged 11.5 points per game while shooting an impressive 43.0% from three-point range, demonstrating his ability to perform under pressure on the game's biggest stage.

While Smith may be remembered for his infamous blunder in the 2018 NBA Finals, where he failed to capitalize on a crucial opportunity in Game 1, it's essential to recognize his overall contributions throughout his career. Beyond the headlines and viral moments, JR Smith was a talented player whose impact on the court often went unnoticed but was undeniably significant to the success of the teams he played for.