Celtics’ Jae Crowder wants apology from Cavaliers’ J.R. Smith

After he was injured by J.R. Smith in the playoffs, Celtics forward Jae Crowder wants an apology from Smith.

The playoff series between the Boston Celtics and the Cleveland Cavaliers in 2o15, was an emotional series that saw two key players go down for each team. Both injuries came as a result of a couple of unnecessary plays.

One of those injuries came when J.R. Smith backhanded the Celtics’ Jae Crowder, who ended up spraining his ACL. Crowder has since come back from the injury this season and looks like his old self, but he hasn’t forgotten about the play.

Before the two teams tip off on Tuesday night, Crowder, who spoke to reporters before the game, would like to get an apology from Smith.

"“I hope he apologizes [Tuesday], to be honest with you,” said Crowder, who avoided surgery but spent the early part of his offseason rehabbing the injury that occurred as he fell to the court. Smith was ejected and suspended for two games for the incident, but has apparently not apologized to Crowder."

If Smith doesn’t apologize, then Crowder was adamant about saying they’ll just play basketball then.

"Added Crowder: “I hope it wasn’t intentional. But if he doesn’t [apologize], then we’ll play ball.”When asked if Smith delivered a cheap shot, Crowder repeated himself.“I hope he apologizes tomorrow,” Crowder said. “But if he doesn’t, we’ll play ball.”"

The two teams don’t like each other and any time together, it’s always physical. It sure doesn’t sound like Crowder is getting his hopes up for an apology, but he has made it known that he would certainly like one.

For the interest of good sportsmanship, it would be nice to see the two sides shake hands and call it even, but Smith is a passionate player and might not be the type to do so. If he doesn’t, things could get very chippy on the court.