Cleveland Cavaliers' Tyronn Lue calls J.R. Smith's defensive lapse 'embarrassing'

Cleveland Cavaliers coach Tyronn Lue called guard J.R. Smith's in-game hug Tuesday night with Milwaukee Bucks bench player Jason Terry an "embarrassing moment."

Lee said he met with Smith on Wednesday to address the mental lapse during the game and also criticized the veteran for wearing a ski mask-style hood covering his face during his interview with reporters.

"It was embarrassing moment," Lue said Wednesday of the play. "Me and J.R. talked about it. We're just going to move forward. We had a discussion about it, he felt embarrassed about it. It was an embarrassing play. We talked about it. We're moving on."

Smith greeted Terry on the baseline while the Bucks were readying to inbound the ball late in the second half of the Cavs' 118-101 loss in Milwaukee.

When Smith removed himself from the play, Bucks guard Matthew Dellavedova fired a pass to Tony Snell, who was wide open for a dunk.

"Obviously we both know it wasn't intentional, but it was just a lack of focus," Smith said after practice Wednesday. "One of the multiple things that compounded onto the loss was just as a team we haven't been as focused as we previously were. Winning and being who we are has a lot to do with that, but we've just got to overcome that and be better as a whole. It starts as individuals and then we can collectively become a group and team and have that mindset."

Lue also took issue with Smith's explanation for the play Tuesday night when he claimed he had no recollection of the mistake.

"It wasn't right," Lue said. "I talked to him about that also. There's no need for that. Just address the media in the right way, move on. We got our butts kicked (Tuesday night). Give Milwaukee credit, they came out, they attacked us, they beat us. Now we've got to move on."

The 31-year-old Smith said his postgame act was meant as a joke.

"I said it more in a joking manner because you can see what happened," Smith said Wednesday. "Obviously, I wasn't paying attention. For me to just sit there and tell you I wasn't paying attention makes it plain and boring somewhat, especially when you're asking a question you already know the answer to. But at the same time, I still have to give that boring answer, for whatever reason."