J.R. Smith had a hectic night at Madison Square Garden after a post-game celebration turned dangerous, leaving the former Knicks guard caught in a near-stampede following New York's Game 1 victory over the Philadelphia 76ers in the Eastern Conference semifinals.
Video showed Smith, who appeared to be holding a joint, being physically overwhelmed by a surging mob, with the former NBA player telling people to “relax.” He was seen trying to fend off the crowd and demand space as fans pressed in from every direction. At one point, he appeared to go down under the sheer weight of the group, with a woman's voice audible on the footage screaming, "Guys stop." Despite going down, Smith, according to the footage, Smith was able to hold on to his joint.
Some bystanders attempted to help him up while several people around Smith were caught up in the chaos as well.
Smith retired from professional basketball in 2020 after winning two NBA championships. He returned to school in 2021, joined the North Carolina A&T Aggies golf team. Smith is set to graduate from North Carolina A&T this week.
Game 2 between the Knicks and 76ers is set for Wednesday at 7:00 p.m. ET.
