No game for you: Cavs’ Smith tossed soup

INDEPENDENCE, Ohio — Chicken noodle or tomato? J.R. Smith didn’t serve up any explanation.

The Cleveland Cavaliers’ mercurial shooting guard declined an interview request Friday, a day after the team suspended him one game for throwing a bowl of soup at assistant coach Damon Jones.

The soup toss came after Thursday’s shootaround at the team’s training facility, hours before the Cavs played the Philadelphia 76ers, a person with direct knowledge of the situation told The Associated Press on Friday. The person spoke on condition of anonymity because the team has not disclosed details. ESPN.com first reported the reason for Smith’s suspension.

Smith was with his teammates Friday — the Cavs didn’t practice, but watched video — and after getting in some extra shots, he told a team spokesman he will address the media at today’s shootaround before the Cavs play Denver. Until then, what triggered his brothy outburst remains a mystery.

Coach Tyronn Lue said Smith did not address the team regarding the latest drama for the Cavs, who have had no shortage of theater this season.

“I had a little discussion with him,” Lue said before refusing to say if he was the one who suspended Smith.

The 32-year-old Smith, who served his suspension while the Cavs were beaten by the Sixers, had a history of fines and other problems before arriving in Cleveland via trade in 2015. However, he has had few problems with the Cavs and has been a key member of three straight Eastern Conference championship teams. Smith has endeared himself to Cleveland fans with his hustle and knack for knocking down big shots.

But he hasn’t been himself this season. He has always been a streaky shooter, but his shot isn’t falling as often. In 59 games (56 starts), Smith has averaged 8.3 points — the second-lowest average of his career — while shooting 39 percent.

An emotional player and person, Smith was clearly bothered by the arrival before the season of veteran Dwyane Wade, who briefly took his starting spot. Wade was traded to Miami at the deadline last month, and the move seemed to invigorate Smith.

Rodney Hood started in Smith’s place against the Sixers and scored 11 points on 5-of-14 shooting. Before Thursday’s game, Lue said Smith will return to the starting lineup after his suspension.

Smith’s target, Jones, previously played for the Cavs and is in his second season as an assistant on Lue’s staff. Jones played in the NBA for 11 seasons for 10 teams.

Before Thursday’s clash with Smith, the talkative Jones engaged in a lively shooting contest with point guard George Hill.