- Elbert Smith was finally able to travel across state lines to watch his son play
- Finney-Smith scored only two points, but Brooklyn defeated the Detroit Pistons
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It may have just been Game 78 on the Brooklyn Nets’ schedule, but it was something much more meaningful for forward Dorian Finney-Smith.
Finney-Smith’s father, Elbert Smith, was at Barclays Center for the Nets’ game against the Detroit Pistons on Saturday night. It was the very first time the 52-year-old was able to see his son play in real life.
“It’s exciting,” the Nets forward said before tipoff. “It’s exciting to know it’s the first time he’s seen me play in person. But I definitely want to get the win for him, so try to focus on getting the win.”
In 1996, Elbert Smith was convicted of manslaughter, malicious wounding and use of a firearm in the shooting death of Willie Anderson II. He was sentenced to 44 years in prison.
The Dallas Morning News reported that the Mavericks assisted in Smith’s release while Finney-Smith played for the team. The Virginia Parole Board voted unanimously to release Smith in July 2023, and he was released in December.
Dorian Finney-Smith got the honor of playing for his father for the first time ever in the NBA
Elbert Smith, who was released from prison after 29 years, was in court in Brooklyn
Finney-Smith scored just two points, but the Nets pulled off a victory over the Detroit Pistons
Smith had served 28 years, nine months and 10 days of his sentence. According to Finney-Smith, the family had to wait until the eldest Smith was allowed to travel. He and Finney-Smith’s mother, Desiree, arrived in New York on Friday.
“He opened the window and looked at all the buildings,” Finney-Smith said. “You know, if you compare it to when he came here in 1994. He remembers Brooklyn from the past.
“He keeps saying Barclays wasn’t there and stuff like that, so he obviously knew the history of New York.”
The Nets, who were eliminated from postseason contention on Wednesday, acknowledged the personal significance of the game for Finney-Smith, whom they acquired from the Mavericks last year as part of the trade for Kyrie Irving.
“Yes, we’ve talked, but not to the extent of what it’s going to mean and all that,” interim coach Kevin Ollie said.
“I know it will be important to him, and he will handle it like a professional. He’s going to compartmentalize and go out and do his work, but I imagine he’ll have a special joy inside when his dad finally sees him play.
“So hopefully he’ll go out there and do his thing, I’m sure he will. He’s the ultimate professional when it comes to this kind of thing, so I wouldn’t expect anything less from him. Hopefully we can get him a win tonight.”
Finney-Smith started the game and played 24 minutes, going 1-5 for two points, seven rebounds and an assist in the 113-103 win over Detroit.