Sixth man J.R. Smith scores 28 Points as Cleveland Cavaliers Win Series Opener Over Atlanta Hawks.

Earlier this season, the Cleveland Cavaliers needed some help off the bench, and swung a trade with the New York Knicks, acquiring 2013 NBA Sixth Man of the Year J.R. Smith. In the opener of the NBA’s Eastern Conference Finals in Atlanta, the move paid off big time. Smith scored 28 points, including 24 on three point baskets, and the Cavaliers won 97-89.

Cleveland was led in scoring by LeBron James with 31 points, and had a total of five players in double figures. No reserves except Smith scored. Kyrie Irving, who is playing through a sore right foot and left knee tendinitis, scored 10 points and had six assists in 27 minutes of playing time. He vows to continue playing, but his quickness on defense has suffered due to the injuries, much to Irving’s frustration. Atlanta has its own injury issue: shooting forward DeMarre Carroll sprained his left knee in the fourth quarter. His status for Game 2 (in Atlanta on May 22nd) is questionable.