Smith likes taunts: 'I'd rather they do that than not acknowledge me'

J.R. Smith appears to subscribe to the notion that any publicity is good publicity, even as he's quickly become a verbal punching bag for Golden State Warriors fans.

"I'm always the person the fans like to talk to or heckle or whatever," Smith explained after Game 2, via USA TODAY Sports. "I like it. I'd rather they do that than not acknowledge me at all. So I appreciate it."

Smith gave the Warriors' faithful plenty of material to mock with his Game 1 misplays - specifically, the blunder in the final seconds of regulation - and the spectators at Oracle Arena did not disappoint.

Game 2 featured several instances of Smith mockery. First, he was greeted by a sarcastic ovation from Warriors fans during his pre-game introduction. Later, the home crowd upped the ante with mocking chants of "M-V-P" when Smith shot free throws. Some fans went the extra mile and brought homemade signs to ridicule him further.

Fans of the Cleveland Cavaliers surely don't appreciate that Smith has given their rivals in California so many memorable moments, especially since his on-court production has been lacking. The 32-year-old finished with only five points on 2-of-9 shooting in Game 2, adding just two assists, two steals, and one rebound in 31 minutes.