Cleveland Cavaliers role players stepping up at the right time

Cavaliers role players stepping up at the right time

TORONTO, ON - MAY 03: Kevin Love #0 of the Cleveland Cavaliers dribbles the ball as C.J. Miles #0 of the Toronto Raptors defends in the second half of Game Two of the Eastern Conference Semifinals during the 2018 NBA Playoffs at Air Canada Centre on May 3, 2018 in Toronto, Canada. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Vaughn Ridley/Getty Images) /

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J.R. “Swish” has found his shooting touch

One of the main reasons for Cleveland’s success in the past was the hot shooting of J.R. Smith. Over the years Smith has gained quite the support while with the Cavaliers due to his no-fear mentality and ability to hit the long ball.

Who could forget the 28 point (8-12 shooting) game vs Atlanta back in 2015? Or the big shots he hit in the 2016 NBA Finals. The main point is that Cleveland needs their long-range shooter “J.R. Swish” to contribute at a high clip.

Smith had a less than stellar first round, scoring 8.6 points and shooting just 31 percent from beyond the arc.

But as Love did in the second round, J.R. found his shooting rhythm. In Game 1 Smith was 5-6 from long range and poured in 20 points. Then last night Smith stayed locked in, contributing 15 points on 2-3 from beyond the arc.

More importantly, Smith is not the only Cavalier connecting on shots from beyond the arc. Korver (6-14) has looked more conformable against Toronto.

With LeBron’s ability to drive and dish, a three-point duo of J.R. and Korver will make the Cavaliers an even bigger threat offensively.