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NBA Finals 2018: Watch uncut footage between LeBron James, JR Smith from Game 1

By Nick Dudukovich

OAKLAND, CA - MAY 31: JR Smith #5 of the Cleveland Cavaliers dribbles in the closing seconds of regulation as LeBron James #23 attempts direct the offense against the Golden State Warriors in Game 1 of the 2018 NBA Finals at ORACLE Arena on May 31, 2018 in Oakland, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Lachlan Cunningham/Getty Images)
OAKLAND, CA - MAY 31: JR Smith #5 of the Cleveland Cavaliers dribbles in the closing seconds of regulation as LeBron James #23 attempts direct the offense against the Golden State Warriors in Game 1 of the 2018 NBA Finals at ORACLE Arena on May 31, 2018 in Oakland, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Lachlan Cunningham/Getty Images) /
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Watch uncut footage from Game 1 of the 2018 NBA Finals as LeBron James and J.R. Smith and see why a picture is worth a thousand words.

The camera  followed J.R. Smith the entire time after his costly mistake during Game 1 of the 2018 NBA Finals.

Smith, who said he knew the score was tied, didn’t look that way on the bench, as he he hung his head.

The most noticeable occurrence of body language came at the 1:48 mark. LeBron James and Smith talk about something and then LeBron covers his face with his hand and flings forward out of what appears to look like shock and disbelief.

He then sits back up with his arm crossed. You don’t need to be a body language effort to know how LeBron felt.

Smith sits solemnly after James’ reaction.

It’s hard not to have empathy for both men in this situation.

James is chasing history to be regarded as a better player than Michael Jordan. His team one of the biggest underdogs in Finals history, and despite one of the greatest performances in Finals history, his team blew a golden opportunity to steal Game 1.

Smith said he did know the score at the time. His coach said Smith thought they were up. The body language here sure gives credence to Ty Lue’s words.

Its’ heart breaking to watch Smith after James’ reaction. He knows he messed up and he looks like the loneliest man on the world sitting on the bench.

It reminds us that even professional basketball players are human beings who have emotions and make mistakes, just like us.

Think about your walk of life. Perhaps there was a time you didn’t live up to expectations, and let people down in your personal or professional life.

The difference is that Smith makes millions of dollars to play basketball and it just so happens to be a job that comes with the highest of visibility.

Smith didn’t have a great Game 2, going 2-of-9 from the field and 1-of-4 from 3-point range.

You’ve got to wonder how he’ll respond at home, because for Cleveland to have any kind of chance, he’ll be needed.

The Cavs are at their best when they make 3-pointers, yet have had trouble even accumulating 10 makes lately.

Next: 5 All-Time Cavaliers from the LeBron-less era

Hopefully, the JR feeds off the home crowd and helps even this series up. The Cavs had zero margin for error before, and now…well, they just better win.

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