There was an era in the NBA where the Cleveland Cavaliers and Golden State Warriors were the only teams to make it to the finals. Their rivalry remains to be one of the most entertaining in recent history. However, in the 2018 NBA finals, a shocking mistake by J. R. Smith cost LeBron James and the Cleveland Cavaliers the Game 1.

In the 2018 finals, the Cavaliers were facing off against a stacked Warriors team. With Kevin Durant in the Bay, there were almost unbeatable through the playoffs. However, James found a way to tie the game up in Game 1 as he had a 51 point performance. However, it came to no good as J. R. Smith dribbled out the clock after securing a rebound late in the game. The Warriors took the game in overtime to upset the Cavs.

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However, it seems Smith wants credit for one of James’ most iconic career moments, his 2016 block on Andre Iguodala.

LeBron James not fully responsible for the block on Iguodala?

While on the ‘I Am Athlete’ podcast, the former Cavalier confronted his 2018 finals blunder that cost them the game. But Smith also explained how the fans don’t give him credit for the LeBron James’ Game 7 block on Iguodala. He said he and the King would always do that play where he would give James a split second to cover the ground.

He said: “Me and Bron used to do that every time. Somebody switch, if he got the ball and it is you on the break, just know I’m coming. Just give me a split second and I’ll get to it. I didn’t look behind me, none of that. Cool Andre Iguodala go up, extra second, block, win, championship. You don’t give me credit for that because he got the block.”

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The final minute of the 2016 NBA finals was wild. With the game tied, Iguodala had the chance to put the Warriors up. However, LeBron came in with a block that was heard around the world. But Smith believes his defensive effort went unnoticed on the play. He explained how he could have easily fouled him and made him go to the line or just let him blow-by. But he kept the pressure on him and gave James the time to get there.

While there is no comment by Iguodala on what happened during the block, Smith believes he did slow him down. But would it have made a difference?

Was J. R. Smith’s defense critical?

Smith sure believes he did his part in the block. But how did it contribute to the play? To the outside eye, it doesn’t come off as an enormous difference, but for James, he got the time he needed to cover the ground.

On the play, Smith did a great defensive job of switching from Curry back to Iguodala. Not only did he force Iguodala to go under, but he also delayed the attempt just enough for LeBron to pounce. Hence, to his credit, it was a significant effort that led to that play.

If Smith didn’t do his part defensively, an iconic moment may be absent from the history books of the NBA. Do you think LeBron James could have got there if it wasn’t for Smith’s defensive effort? Let us know your views in the comments below.