J.R. Smith may or may not have pulled a Zaza Pachulia on Kevin Durant early in the third quarter of Game 2. We’re of course talking about Pachulia’s close out on Kawhi Leonard, that kept him out for the Western Conference Finals.
Did J.R. Smith try to slide under Kevin Durant on this closeout?
The closeout has become a big talking point this postseason.
Eyebrows were raised when Smith contested Durant’s shot, and appeared to extend his leg to close out in a similar fashion.
Pachulia’s was more obvious, as he took an extra step to get underneath Leonard. Here, Smith looks to reach out with his right leg after nearly making contact with the ground again.
Smith’s landing spot was certainly under Durant, who was fortunate to have only hit the hardwood on his landing.
It was Durant’s second close call with a closeout this postseason. In the same Western Conference Finals where Leonard injured his ankle, it appeared LaMarcus Aldridge tried it on Durant. For what it’s worth, Durant did defend Aldridge after the game.
Did Smith try to do the same thing that Pachulia did? Maybe he did, maybe he didn’t. It’s fair to look at the tape, and at least consider the possibility. Regardless of whether he did or not, that particular play will be examined during the offseason.
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