Cleveland Cavaliers vs. Atlanta Hawks: Position-by-Position Preview

May 12, 2015; Cleveland, OH, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers guard

(5) celebrates in the fourth quarter against the Chicago Bulls in game five of the second round of the NBA Playoffs at Quicken Loans Arena. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-USA TODAY Sports

Shooting Guard- J.R. Smith VS Kyle Korver

The two X-Factors to both teams offensive production, the team that has the advantage at the 2-guard spot will depend on which 2-guard can knock down their shots at a higher rate.

Both Smith and Korver are crucial to their own team’s floor spacing, as both are often just planted around the three-point line and are relied on to hit the open three. Unfortunately for both Cleveland and Atlanta though, neither player has been able to find their touch from downtown during the playoffs.

Smith is shooting just 35.1% from three-point range during the playoffs; barely better then the 35.0% that Korver has been able to conjure up. Korver’s three-point percentage is notable, as he shot an incredible 49.2% from downtown during the regular season, so you know the ability to get hot is there. As is the ability for Smith to get hot, as countless times he has been able to connect on a string of three-point shots when the Cavs have needed them.

On the defensive end of things, both players should be prepared to have fun chasing each other through numerous off-ball screens. The player who posses the better ability to challenge and contest the opposing players three-point shot will be a critical factor is deciding in whether Korver or Smith shoots the three-ball at a higher rate for the series. If the previous playoff series are anything to go by, then it seems that Smith currently holds the advantage. Smith has only allowed opponents to shoot 21.1% on three-point field goal attempts during the playoffs, with Korver allowing 28.6%- both are which admirable numbers to be holding an opponent to. Although, Smith may hold an advantage on the defensive end, as he is able to use his quickness and athleticism to guard a ball handler better then Korver and has the quick ability to steal the ball if the opposing player is getting careless.

So which shooter holds the advantage? It really comes down to which one can reclaim their shooting touch, which is anyone’s guess but it is no guess that Smith provides the Cavaliers with a better defensive presence, giving him the advantage in this match-up.

Advantage- Cavs