MANILA, Philippines – Golden State fans have many to thank for the Warriors’ Game 1 win over the Cleveland Cavaliers in the NBA Finals, and they made sure to recognize JR Smith.

Sort of.

Smith had a huge hand in Golden State’s 124-114 overtime triumph in the series-opener after milking the clock in regulation and preventing the Cavaliers from taking a potential game-winner.

In his own words: JR Smith on the final play of regulation. pic.twitter.com/UTmzwH5yo5

— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) June 1, 2018

The Warriors’ fans did not hold back, mocking Smith with “MVP” chants in Game 2. (LOOK: Social media wrecks JR Smith with memes after disastrous Game 1 blunder)

JR Smith is receiving MVP chants in Oakland. pic.twitter.com/M6y4VXwxPi

— ESPN (@espn) June 4, 2018

The 32-year-old, though, said he wasn’t bothered by the heckling and even “liked” it.

“I’d rather them do that than not acknowledge me at all. I appreciate it,” Smith added. (READ: Cavs ‘not broken’ despite gut-wrenching Game 1 loss to Warriors)

"I appreciate it." – JR Smith on Warriors fans heckling him #NBAFinals pic.twitter.com/sJMBKQp8Tj

— NBA TV (@NBATV) June 4, 2018

However, Cleveland wasn’t able to bounce back in Game 2 as the Cavaliers absorbed a 103-122 rout from the Warriors, who now have a 2-0 lead in the best-of-7 duel.

Smith, who is averaging 7.5 points, 3.5 rebounds, and 2.0 assists in the Finals, can redeem himself as the series shifts to Cleveland for Games 3 and 4. – Rappler.com