NBA Finals Preview: Shooting Guard

May 22, 2015; Atlanta, GA, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers guard J.R. Smith (5) shoots against Atlanta Hawks guard Kyle Korver (26) during the first quarter in game two of the Eastern Conference Finals of the NBA Playoffs at Philips Arena. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports

J.R. Smith (Cleveland Cavaliers) 

The most apt description for Smith’s game is by comparison to a Jekyll and Hyde type duality.  The kind of player, who at times, appears lost on both ends of the floor, yet at other times, can activate video game mode.  Similarly to Klay, Smith is capable of getting on streaks where the smallest amount of daylight spells disaster.

Every Warriors fan has witnessed first hand how quickly a game can get out of hand when either Steph or Klay get into a zone.  This is the kind danger that Smith brings to the table. As such, its not surprising that the Cavs appear to go as he goes.  Smith shot 45% from the field and 41% from 3pt in 34 Cavs regular season wins since arriving from New York.  On the other hand, in 12 losses, Smith shot just 36.1% from the field and 33.3% from three.

Although Smith does have some amount of penetration to his game, Klay should be able to keep in front of him in the half court set.  Where Smith has the ability to exploit Klay is off the ball.  Klay struggles to stay attached to his man, especially off penetration and in transition.  This is a potential issue, as LeBron attracts as much attention as any player in the league, and is extremely adept at finding open shooters.

On the other side of the ball, as stated above, Klay should find ample opportunities to exploit Smith on the defensive end.  In fact, if the Cavs employ a lineup that features Shumpert on Curry, the Warriors will likely rely on Klay to make plays in the half court.

In the end, Smith is the most dangerous player on the Cavs roster.  Although lineups and match-ups will surely vary during the course of the series, Klay, and whoever else is tasked with checking Smith will have to limit mental lapses, making sure to hound Smith off the ball.  If LeBron consistently breaks down the Warriors’ defense and finds Smith open from distance, the Warriors could be in for a long series.

Next: Iman Shumpert