Despite being sidelined due to a thumb injury, Cleveland Cavaliers guard J.R. Smith didn’t back down from Miami Heat players in an altercation after Saturday night’s game from Miami.
Smith, who watched the duration of the Heat-Cavs game from the bench in a suit, took exception to a seemingly dirty and unnecessary play from Heat guard Rodney McGruder in the fourth. McGruder appeared to strike Channing Frye in the back following his put-back dunk, sparking Smith’a anger.
Smith underwent thumb surgery on December 23rd and has been sidelined since. He’s back to doing basketball-related activities, but his return is still weeks out and physical activity (such as engaging in fights) is certainly not being recommended.
Still, that didn’t stop Smith from staring down and barking at McGruder and teammate Dion Waiters once the game concluded:
Things got a little heated at the end of the #Cavs vs #Heat game…
J.R. Smith was pretty upset
(? via @mcten) pic.twitter.com/aKndpYJKXA
— Def Pen Hoops (@DefPenHoops) March 5, 2017
The Heat won the game easily, 120-92. Cleveland decided to rest two of its top stars, Kyrie Irving and LeBron James, prior to tip-off.
Miami (29-34) and Cleveland (42-19) will meet again on Monday night inside of Quicken Loans Arena, and on April 10th from South Beach. Both teams already share a rivalry because of LeBron James’s departures from the clubs. This post-game altercation will only add more fuel to the fire.
