7. J.R. Smith Is on a Roll
With the Cavs holding a 2-1 series lead on the Warriors and playing Game 4 at home, they appeared in prime position even with Irving and Love out. But J.R. Smith, their only healthy three-point shooter of note other than James, missed all eight of his attempts in a 103-82 loss and never regained his stroke until the fourth quarter of Game 6.
The odds of him going through a similar slump this year appear remote. He has knocked down a team-high 49 threes, with a total of only seven baskets he has made coming from inside the arc. And he went so far after sweeping the Hawks in the conference semifinals as to suggest that his effort on defense helped keep his teammates “accountable.” If he can somehow contain Thompson, the Cavs will be in great shape.
Next: A Much Deeper Bench
