J.R. Smith has found himself back in a place of comfort reverting to his old sixth man role, and while he hasn’t posted consecutive double-digit scoring games for the Cleveland Cavaliers, his groove has become evident for those watching him play.
Yet he won’t be the one to say it, avoiding any jinx that may fall upon him prior to an important postseason run.
“Man, every time you guys ask me that question I go in a slump, so I’m not going to answer it,” Smith told reporters when asked if he had found his groove, following a 16-point, seven-rebound performance, according to Joe Vardon of Cleveland.com.
Smith was candid enough to talk about his new-found role with this team as the first guy off the bench — something he’s done for the last 15 games, as the Cavs have been on a late-season roll.
“This is probably the most comfortable role I’ve fit in since my career started in the NBA,” said Smith. “Majority of my career I’ve been a sixth-man type of guy and coming off the bench, so it’s easier to revert back.”
Smith had proven to be a spark plug for the Denver Nuggets and the New York Knicks before coming to the Cavs during the 2014-15 season, and his impact is showing, shooting a blistering 48.9 percent from deep since taking his new role.
“The best part is we get out and run,” Smith said. “When you get out and run with the first unit, they want to slow it down, get Bron to get the other guys open, stuff like that, so it’s just fun.”
The 14th year veteran has hovered around 50 percent shooting in six of his last seven games, providing the consistency that has been wanted out of him throughout the entire season.