Arkansas Razorbacks guard Nick Smith Jr. certainly knows how to knock the team off of its feet — literally.
During Arkansas’ opening-round contest against the Illinois Fighting Illini on Thursday as March Madness 2023 got underway, Smith celebrated teammate Kamani Johnson’s basket before halftime – and accidentally shoved the 6-foot-7 forward to the floor.
Fortunately, Johnson recovered moments later and could be seen smiling on the broadcast, which showed him embracing Smith.
The No. 8 seed Arkansas later topped ninth-seeded Illinois, 73-63.
As footage from the game began to circulate on social media, Smith responded to a CBS tweet from CBS Sports that replayed his connection with Johnson.
“I got to [sic] hyped my bad my body @kamanijohnson,” Smith tweeted alongside a collection of laughing crying face emojis.
Arkansas’s Nick Smith Jr. (3) celebrates teammate Kamani Johnson’s basket during a game against Illinois on March 16, 2023. Twitter/CBS
Kamani Johnson (20) recovers after teammate Nick Smith Jr.’s celebrations on March 16, 2023. Twitter/CBSArkansas will next face the top-seeded Kansas Jayhawks on Saturday in the West Region’s Round of 32.
Shortly after the game, Razorbacks head coach Eric Musselman praised Johnson’s efforts.
“I thought Kamani did a phenomenal job for us setting the tone early on the offensive glass,” Musselman said, per Whole Hog Sports.
Nick Smith Jr. (3) and Kamani Johnson (20) celebrate during Arkansas’ win over Illinois on March 16, 2023. Getty Images“He gives us a physicality as well.”
Johnson logged five points and five rebounds on Thursday, while the 6-foot-5 Smith recorded six points.
