JR Smith Reveals How Watching Michael Jordan’s Bulls Gave 2016 Cavs the Confidence to Complete a 3–1 NBA Finals Comeback

JR Smith on Kyrie Irving: 'I think he's the most gifted offensive player I've played with'

CARMELO ANTHONY: “Kyrie is one of the most skilled players in the history of basketball. He’s like the basketball genius—the maestro when it comes to the game. Is he your most gifted teammate that you’ve played with?” JR SMITH: “It’s weird having you ask me this question… I think he’s the most gifted offensive player I’ve played with.” CARMELO ANTHONY: “You say gifted—are we just talking about basketball?” JR SMITH: “Yeah, just basketball. What …

JR Smith Reveals How Watching Michael Jordan’s Bulls Gave 2016 Cavs the Confidence to Complete a 3–1 NBA Finals Comeback

The 2016 NBA Finals were the best we’ve ever seen in many ways. On one side, a juggernaut of a team built on movement and generalized playmaking across the roster had just set the record for most wins in a single season (73). On the other hand, there was a three-headed monster of stars, led by one of the two greatest players ever, looking to win a championship for the hometown team that drafted him. Seven games later, we had seen a comeback from…