Brooklyn Nets forward Dorian Finney-Smith had a special moment during Game 78 at Barclays Center when his father, Elbert Smith, watched him play in person for the first time. Elbert Smith, who had been incarcerated since 1996 for second-degree murder, malicious wounding, and firearm commission, was released in December 2023 after serving over 28 years of his sentence.
The Dallas Mavericks played a role in advocating for Smith's release while Finney-Smith was with the team. The Virginia Parole Board granted his release in July 2023, allowing him to travel to New York to watch his son play. Finney-Smith expressed his excitement about his father's visit, noting how his father reminisced about Brooklyn's transformation since his last visit in 1994.
The Nets, although already eliminated from playoff contention, acknowledged the significance of the game for Finney-Smith. Interim coach Kevin Ollie highlighted Finney-Smith's professionalism and expected him to perform well despite the emotional weight of the moment. The team aimed to secure a victory to make the occasion even more memorable for Finney-Smith and his father.
