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From jubilation to chaos.
Former New York Knicks player J.R. Smith found himself on the ground during a postgame celebration outside Madison Square Garden on Monday night. The once-beloved Knick was heard urging the surrounding crowd to “Relax, man, relax,” following the Knicks’ commanding 137-98 victory over the Philadelphia 76ers in Game 1.
Smith, who was part of the Knicks from 2011 to 2015, frequently returns to Madison Square Garden for major games. After the team’s resounding win that kicked off their second-round series, he joined fans outside, exuding joy and smoking a rolled white object.
Madison Square Garden is known for its electrifying atmosphere during Knicks playoff games, with exuberant crowds gathering regardless of the outcome. As Smith made his way into the throng of fans, he was quickly surrounded by enthusiastic supporters.
However, the festive mood took a turn when Smith, along with others, was knocked off his feet. He was helped back to his feet moments later amid the chaotic scene.
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.