BOSTON — J.R. Smith might be getting a call from the NBA soon.
The Cleveland Cavaliers guard was ejected in the third quarter of Sunday’s Game 4 after hitting Boston Celtics guard Jae Crowder in the face. The two were tussling under the rim when Smith swung and connected with a vicious backhand.
Crowder had to be helped off the floor, and the Celtics announced shortly after that he would not return to the game because of a left knee sprain.
It’s not the first time Smith has ran into trouble against the Celtics in the playoffs.
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This wasn’t the only physical incident of the game. Kevin Love suffered a shoulder injury after tangling with Kelly Olynyk in the first quarter, and Kendrick Perkins and Crowder both received technical fouls for a scuffle in the second quarter.
Thumbnail photo via Nelson Chenault/USA TODAY Sports Images