You see what happens when New York Knicks swingman JR Smith actually feels like playing? Smith put on a show in his team’s 117-86 win over the Cleveland Cavaliers on Thursday night. The first of his highlight-reel plays came in the first quarter, when he blew past Cavs rookie Anthony Bennett and threw down a nasty windmill dunk. Kyrie Irving was the victim at the back end of the play.
While the dunk was impressive, you could argue that Smith’s best play of the night came in the third quarter when he embarrassed Tristan Thompson with a step-back crossover. Smith literally made Thompson tweak his ankle and fall to the floor.
Since Smith was inexplicably benched for a game against the Charlotte Bobcats on Jan. 14, he has averaged 16.4 points per game and is shooting 44% from 3-point range. He may sound like an idiot when he admits that defense isn’t exactly his expertise, but I think it’s safe to say JR’s play has improved overall.
Videos via Pro Basketball Talk
