Jae Crowder Wants Apology from J.R. Smith for Backhand That Caused ACL Injury

The Boston Celtics will face the Cleveland Cavaliers on Tuesday for the first time since the Cavs swept them in the opening round of the 2015 playoffs.   

In the last contest, Cleveland guard J.R. Smith backhanded Celtics swingman Jae Crowder, causing the latter to sprain his left ACL. Crowder commented on the situation Monday and professed hope Smith would show some remorse for his actions.

"I hope he apologizes [Tuesday], to be honest with you," said Crowder, per ESPN.com's Chris Forsberg. "[...] I hope it wasn't intentional. But if he doesn't [apologize], then we'll play ball."

Smith was ejected and suspended for two games following the incident with Crowder, seen in the video below, which wasn't the only notable scuffle from that postseason series.   

Cavs All-Star Kevin Love got tangled up with Boston big man Kelly Olynyk, who dislocated Love's shoulder and forced him out for the rest of Cleveland's run to the NBA Finals. The two are on good terms—far better than Smith and Crowder evidently are.

Although he didn't require surgery on his knee, Crowder did have to rehab the injury in the offseason. The 25-year-old forward has come into his own under Celtics head coach Brad Stevens this season, starting all 24 games and averaging 12.5 points, 4.5 rebounds, two assists and two steals per contest.

This situation will certainly be worth monitoring before Tuesday's tipoff at TD Garden.

Should Smith choose not to apologize, he'll only provide the underdog Celtics with more fuel as they attempt to pull off an upset over the current Eastern Conference leaders. On the other hand, the LeBron James-led Cavs may embrace the bad blood for this matchup in attempt to reassert their dominance.

Both sides could find a spark from the spat in a more pivotal early regular-season game than most. Cleveland is seeking to cling to a slim lead in the East, while Stevens' overachieving team fights to remain in a crowded playoff picture.