Father of Brooklyn Nets NBA star Dorian Finney-Smith watches his son play for the first time EVER... following his release from prison after serving 29 YEARS for second-degree murder

It may have been just Game 78 on the Brooklyn Nets' schedule, but it was something far more meaningful for forward Dorian Finney-Smith.

Finney-Smith's father, Elbert Smith, was at Barclays Center on Saturday night for the Nets' game against the Detroit Pistons. It was the very first time the 52-year-old was able to see his son play in person.

'It's exciting,' the Nets forward said prior to tipoff. 'It's exciting knowing it's (going to) be his first time ever seeing me play in person. But definitely want to get his win for him, so just try and focus on getting the win.'

Back in 1996, Elbert Smith was convicted of second-degree murder, malicious wounding, and commission 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 helped work for Smith's release while Finney-Smith played for the team. The Virginia Parole Board voted unanimously in July 2023 to release Smith, and he was released in December.

Smith had served 28 years, nine months, and 10 days of his sentence. According to Finney-Smith, the family had to wait until the elder Smith was allowed to travel. He and Finney-Smith's mother, Desiree, arrived in New York on Friday.

'He's been having the window down, looking at all the buildings,' Finney-Smith said. 'You know, comparing it to when he came here in 1994. He remembers Brooklyn back in the day. 

'He keeps saying Barclays wasn't here and stuff like that, so he obviously knew New York history.'

The Nets, who were eliminated from postseason contention Wednesday, recognized the personal significance of the game for Finney-Smith, who they acquired from the Mavericks last year as part of the trade for Kyrie Irving.

'Yeah, we talked but not to the extent of what it's going to mean and all that,' interim coach Kevin Ollie said. 

'I know it's going to be significant for him, and he's going to handle it like a pro. He's going to compartmentalize it and go out there and do his job, but I imagine he'll have some special joy inside for his dad to watch him finally play.

'So hopefully, he'll go out there and do his thing, I know he will. He's the ultimate pro when it comes to things like this, so I don't expect anything different for him. Hopefully, we can get him a win tonight.'

Finney-Smith started the game and played 24 minutes, shooting 1-5 for two points, seven rebounds, and an assist in the 113-103 win over Detroit.