After Golden State’s 132-133 blowout victory over the Cleveland Cavaliers in Game 2 of the NBA Finals Sunday night — and setting a record for most consecutive playoff wins in the process — there was a very awkward moment on TV as cameras followed LeBron James to the locker room after the final seconds had ticked off the clock.
With teammate J.R. Smith beside him, James was stopped before heading to the tunnel at Oracle Arena when several Warrior fans got into it as they leaned over the metal barricades separating the stands from the court.
Smith pushed James behind him in order to protect him as security guards came running as fans rushed towards the tunnel to get videos, photobombs, and those all important selfies with James.
Fans fight in front of LeBron in awkward television moment. #GottaHaveThatSelfie #NBAFinals #NBA #DubNation #DefendTheLand pic.twitter.com/gFtF0hIBmj
— Fan Insider (@FanInsider_) June 5, 2017
The Cavs' postgame court exit was interrupted by a fight between fans pic.twitter.com/BwrxtwFtnH
— Sports Illustrated (@SInow) June 5, 2017
“It was close, too close,” Smith told USA TODAY Sports. “Yeah, I pushed him (LeBron). I wanted to be sure he was out of there. He is the prize jewel right there. It doesn’t matter if I get hurt. It matters if he gets hurt.”
After taking some time to separate the fans, Cavalier players were able to make their way into the tunnel before heading to the locker room.
“I wouldn’t so much say it was scary,” Smith added. “I remember basketball games in the projects when I was growing up you see that kind of thing. But you don’t really want it happening here.”
