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The Cleveland Cavaliers will have J.R. Smith available for Game 3, as the league has decided to not discipline him for shoving Al Horford in Game 2.
The news was first reported by ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski:
The NBA will not discipline Cleveland's JR Smith for the foul on Boston's Al Horford in Game 2 of Eastern Conference Finals, league source tells ESPN.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) May 16, 2018
With Smith only receiving a flagrant one in-game, it seemed like there was a chance that he may be suspended for Game 3.
Smith admitted after the game that it was a blatant push, not a play on the ball:
“It was a good call,” Smith said. “I blatantly pushed him. It wasn’t like I was trying to low-bridge him or something. I just wanted to make sure he didn’t get it.”
It was a reckless and dangerous play by Smith, and the Cavs are likely catching a break that he will not be punished with a suspension. Although based on his performance from Game 2, not having Smith available may have actually been a plus for the team unless he can pull out of his funk.