“If it wasn’t for the structure and the backbone that I have, I wouldn’t be able to mess up and keep coming back and being able to sit in front of you as the world champion.”

The press applauding an athlete has he approaches or steps down from a post-game presser is usually the kind of unprofessional behavior we sneer at, but it’s tough to say it wasn’t warranted after this incredible response from J.R. Smith after the Cavaliers won the NBA championship tonight. Like thanking God, athletes praising their families often comes across as mere lip service. This is... not that.

[ESPN]