J.R. Smith was disappointed about the lack of communication from Tyronn Lue regarding his benching.
Prior to the Cavaliers’ game against the Suns on Tuesday, Cleveland head coach Tyronn Lue made the decision to have Kyle Korver start the game in favor of Smith, who has struggled this season. Smith appeared to take the move itself in stride. However, he said he wished there was more communication between himself and Lue about the move.
“We didn’t talk,” Smith told ESPN. “He sent me a text, and I told him, ‘No problem.’ I didn’t know that it was a ‘talk.'”
“That’s all right, though,” Smith continued. “I’m not upset about it. I just wish there would have been more dialogue, I guess.”
Lue’s decision comes on the heels of two consecutive losses by the Cavaliers. Perhaps a matchup with the Suns on Tuesday was just what Cleveland needed to end their losing streak. Korver enjoyed an excellent shooting night, while Smith played well off the bench.
For Smith, this is just another twist in what has been a frustrating season for the veteran. He was benched earlier in the season in favor of Dwyane Wade. There was also his infamous soup-throwing incident that involved assistant coach Damon Jones.
