J.R. Smith wants a rematch with the Warriors if Cavs return to Finals
The Warriors have looked unstoppable during their historic 15-0 start to the season, and you would think that if the Cavaliers were able to make it back to the NBA Finals, they'd want to face a lesser opponent in order to have the best possible chance at securing the franchise's first title.
But J.R. Smith told ESPN's Dave McMenamin that he's hoping for a rematch.
Smith shot poorly against the Warriors, when his team needed him to step up after Kevin Love and Kyrie Irving were both lost due to injury. Perhaps he wants a shot at personal redemption, but the rest of his teammates would probably be just fine with facing anyone else.
Finally, there was some talk today at shootaround about the Golden State Warriors. You were great from January on when you came to the Cavs but you struggled in the Finals. How much has that weighed on you or stayed with you ever since June, especially seeing what the Warriors are doing now and considering they could very well be the team you have to get through to achieve your team goal this year?
Smith: I hope they are the team. I wouldn’t want it no other way, because we get another chance at it for one and to beat the team that beat you, I think that’s a sweeter feeling. For me, personally, I don’t really look at it as not having the best series or whatever. I mean, I’ve had shots fall against Atlanta in the Eastern Conference finals and there was praise. And then you miss shots and there’s a downfall. So it’s a give-and-take. I wasn’t the only person out there missing. It wasn’t like I was out there playing one-on-five, but it’s cool. I’ll take that. I just got to get better every day.
