The Cleveland Cavaliers took a 1-0 series lead thanks to J.R. Smith’s postseason career-high of 28 points and his three-point barrage that lifted the Cavaliers past the Atlanta Hawks, 97-89, in the Eastern Conference Finals on Wednesday night.
Smith connected on eight of his 12 3-point attempts. Three of his treys came in the fourth quarter as the Cavaliers built 18-point lead. This was the role the Cleveland envisioned when they made the trade for Smith in January.
Although he has been their starting two-guard for most of the season, he hasn’t forgotten how to let it fly in a reserve capacity.
“He’s been great for us, and he’s been a great teammate, and he’s been a great guy to coach,” coach David Blatt said before the game.
The Hawks made their first ECF appearance in the franchise’s history.
Philips Arena was unlike anything seen before in this building. Celebrities from boxing champ Floyd Mayweather, rapper Ludacris and R&B singer Usher were in attendance. The atmosphere was energetic, rowdy, enthusiastic and most importantly sold out, something that has always been a struggle for the organization.
All that enthusiasm went down the drain once Smith started draining threes.
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