From celebration to concern.
Former Knick J.R. Smith got knocked to the ground during the postgame celebration outside of Madison Square Garden on Monday night in a hectic scene, with the folk hero sternly telling those around him, “Relax, man, relax,” after the Knicks’ 137-98 win over the 76ers in Game 1.
Smith, who played for the team from 2011-2015, often finds his way back to The Garden to watch big Knicks games, and he took to the streets after the blowout win to start this second-round series with a smile while smoking something rolled up in a white casing.
The scenes outside Knicks playoffs games are always hectic, especially after wins but even after losses, and fans quickly mobbed Smith while he ventured into the mass of humanity.
The situation quickly changed, though, with Smith — and others — being knocked from his feet and having to be helped back to an upright position several moments later.
One X user posted a video that seemingly showed the crowd pushing toward Smith from behind and the momentum knocking him forward to the ground.
The 40-year-old New Jersey native impressively did not loose his joint during the fracas.
One social media video showed Smith later holding out his right hand and telling fans to relax, seeming agitated after being knocked to the curb compared to the celebratory mood he seemed to have earlier in the night.
Not every ex-Knick who attends playoff games will have the courage to do what Smith did Monday night, and how the situation unfolded could be a deterrent for others to do the same.
The next chance for a celebratory mosh pit will be Wednesday night when the third-seeded Knicks attempt to take a 2-0 series lead after the seventh-seeded 76ers.
The Knicks’ offense steamrolled a tired Philadelphia squad in Game 1 just two days after the 76ers completed their rally from a 3-1 series hole against the Celtics.
