Sunday night’s trouncing of the Oklahoma City Thunder gave the Cleveland Cavaliers a much needed confidence boost as they continue to beat back the memory of January 18th’s 34-point home loss to Golden State. Since that game — and the consequent firing of head coach David Blatt — the Cavs have gone 12-3, with wins against San Antonio and a short-handed Clippers squad, thanks in large part to the improved three-point shooting of one Earl “JR” Smith.
Prior to Blatt’s departure, Smith averaged 12 points and four three-point attempts per game. He’s averaged 14 points and seven attempts since, so it’s safe to say that *interim* coach Tyronn Lue has consciously made him a more integral part of the team’s offensive strategy — and it’s worked.