Brooklyn Nets forward Dorian Finney-Smith viewed Game 78 as more than simply another battle.It was a tremendously emotional occasion when his father, Elbert Smith, watched his game against the Detroit Pistons at Barclays Center on Saturday night.
According to the Daily Mail, the 52-year-old has never seen his son play in person before.
“It’s exciting,” the Nets forward said prior to tipoff. “It’s exciting knowing it’s (going to) be his first time ever seeing me play in person. But definitely want to get his win for him, so just try and focus on getting the win.”
Elbert Smith received a 44-year jail sentence in 1996 after being convicted of second-degree murder, malicious wounding, and firearm usage in the death of Willie Anderson II. According to The Dallas Morning News, during Finney-Smith’s time with the Mavericks, the team helped secure Elbert Smith’s release.
In July 2023, the Virginia Parole Board unanimously voted for Elbert Smith’s parole, and he was released in December of that year.
Elbert Smith has been inside bars for 28 years, nine months, and ten days. Finney-Smith explained that the family had to wait until Elbert Smith was allowed to travel.
Elbert Smith and Finney-Smith’s mother, Desiree, arrived in New York on Friday to witness the game.
“He’s been having the window down, looking at all the buildings,” Finney-Smith said. “You know, comparing it to when he came here in 1994. He remembers Brooklyn back in the day.
“He keeps saying Barclays wasn’t here and stuff like that, so he obviously knew New York history.”
Despite being eliminated from postseason contention earlier in the week, the Brooklyn Nets acknowledged the personal significance of the game for Finney-Smith, who was acquired from the Mavericks last year in exchange for Kyrie Irving.
“Yeah, we talked but not to the extent of what it’s going to mean and all that,” interim coach Kevin Ollie said. “I know it’s going to be significant for him, and he’s going to handle it like a pro. He’s going to compartmentalize it and go out there and do his job, but I imagine he’ll have some special joy inside for his dad to watch him finally play.”
“So hopefully, he’ll go out there and do his thing, I know he will. He’s the ultimate pro when it comes to things like this, so I don’t expect anything different from him. Hopefully, we can get him a win tonight.”
Finney-Smith started the game and logged 24 minutes of play, contributing two points on a 1-5 shooting performance.
He also secured seven rebounds and dished out an assist in the Brooklyn Nets’ 113-103 victory against the Detroit Pistons.