The Cavs took a 1-0 lead in the Eastern Conference Finals over the Hawks in Game 1 by winning 97-89.
LeBron James scored 31 points to lead the Cavs but they would not have won without 28 points from their bench. Well, from JR Smith, who had all 28 points for the Cavs bench.
“When he gets hot, he gets smoking hot,” said Cleveland’s coach Blatt.
Smith mad 8 3-pointers and only missed 4. He was the key factor in the Cavs win and Lebron was happy to have him on his team.
“I told them, bring him here, and I got him,” said James to media after questions about why he decided to let Smith come to the Cavs.
The Hawks looked like they would be able to win the game, until defensive leader DeMarre Carroll went down with a knee sprain. With Carroll having a MRI on Thursday, the Hawks are holding their breath that Carroll will be able to return.
Jeff Teague lead the Hawks with 27 points, easily his best offensive performance of the playoffs.
Cleveland won the battle of the boards 49 to 37 and both teams had 12 turnovers.
The Hawks have now lost two game 1 contests in the playoffs this season, both on their home court.
Kent Bazemore will get a lot of playing time if Carroll misses any time.
Game 2 of the Eastern Conference Finals is Friday at 8:30pm.