THE STORY
In Game 1 of the 2018 NBA Finals, with the score tied at 107 and 4.7 seconds left, J.R. Smith grabbed an offensive rebound after a missed free throw. Instead of attempting a winning shot, he dribbled away from the basket, causing the game to go into overtime. The Golden State Warriors won 124-114. Smith later admitted he was unsure of the game's situation at that moment.
TEAMS / PEOPLE:
Cleveland Cavaliers, Golden State Warriors
WHY IT MATTERS
Smith's lapse in awareness cost the Cavaliers a crucial opportunity to steal an away game in the Finals. The incident became a widely discussed blunder in NBA history, highlighting the importance of situational awareness in high-pressure moments.