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Performance in first half shows why Cleveland re-signed him in March
By Tom Gaffney
Beacon Journal sports writer
Published on Sunday, Apr 19, 2009
CLEVELAND: Reserve Joe Smith was reacquired for games and situations just like this.
Smith, 33, a 14-year veteran in his second stint with the Cavs, scored nine points in a four-minute span in the second quarter Saturday in a 102-84 victory over the Detroit Pistons at Quicken Loans Arena in the first round of the NBA playoffs.
The Cavs were ahead just 30-25 when Smith started his personal onslaught. It sparked the Cavs to a run that eventually made it 57-45 at the half.
''That's the thing about coming off the bench. You have to bring energy,'' said the 6-foot-10 Smith. ''I was fortunate I was able to find spots out there on the floor, to make things happen.''
Smith played for the Cavs last season, but went to the Oklahoma City Thunder in a three-way trade that brought guard Mo Williams to the Cavs.
He was re-signed as a free agent on March 5, and averaged 6.5 points and 4.8 rebounds in 21 games.
Against the Pistons, he made a 3-pointer from the corner to put the Cavs ahead 33-25. His other points came on two dunks and an 18-foot jumper.
Smith added four points in the second half to finish with 13, which was second on the team behind the 38 of LeBron James.
''I think Joe was a big addition to our team and we hated to put him in the trade to acquire Mo Williams,'' James said. ''To get him back . . . we knew instantly that he was going to help us, to add another big who can space the floor and at the same time defend and make shots.
''Whatever he does offensively is a bonus. Even though he is well-rounded offensively, we don't ask Joe to go out there and score for us. If you can get a guy who can score 13 points off the bench in a playoff game, that's money.''
With the intensity and pressure of postseason basketball, Smith brings 40 games of playoff experience off the bench.
''He is a veteran who has been around,'' said Williams, who had 12 points and four assists. ''He is a big man who can give us energy. I am glad we got the opportunity to get him back.''
Smith, who was selected by the Golden State Warriors as the first overall pick in the 1995 draft, is not known for making 3-pointers.
He had only one with the Cavs this season, but did not hesitate in taking the shot Saturday after a pass from Delonte West.
''Coaches have told me if I am open in the corner, to go ahead and shoot it,'' said Smith, who made 5-of-10 shots from the field. ''Delonte did a great job of penetrating and drawing the defense to him. I was able to knock it down.''
Smith said he was disappointed about the trade to the Thunder, but understands pro sports is a business. He said he is not surprised the Cavs are in the position they are, with the best record in the NBA.
''I knew this was going to be a special year because of the chemistry we built last year in that locker room,'' Smith said. ''I kept tabs from afar what was going on out here.''
Since the Thunder were putting together a 23-59 record this season and being a nonplayoff qualifier, Smith figured he would be on vacation right now.
Then came the free-agent deal and a whole new set of circumstances.
''A couple of months ago, I was worried what the family would be doing about this time,'' Smith said. ''Things happen for a reason. Fortunately, I am here and in the playoffs.''
Wallace update
Ben Wallace (left knee) was a game-day decision, and he played 12 minutes with one rebound, one assist and no points.
''They tell me not to play, I wasn't going to play,'' Wallace said. ''Everyone wants to play in the postseason. That's what you work for all year. It [the knee] feels all right. It's not as strong as I would like it to be, but it feels pretty good.''
Short takes
The Cavs had only five turnovers, which is the fewest in franchise history in the playoffs. . . . They had 24 assists, giving them an assist-turnover ratio of almost 5-to-1. . . . Guard Rodney Stuckey led the Pistons with a career playoff high of 20 points. . . . Zydrunas Ilgauskas had 12 points and 10 rebounds for his 11th career postseason double-double. . . . The Cavs have won five consecutive playoff games against the Pistons and are 8-6 overall.
Tom Gaffney can be reached at tgaffney@thebeaconjournal.com.
CLEVELAND: Reserve Joe Smith was reacquired for games and situations just like this.
Get the full article here.
Comments
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Canton, OH
Posted 01:37 PM, 04/19/2009
Yeah, & my name is John Q. Public. .C'Mon. . .
Garden Grove, ca
Posted 04:29 PM, 04/19/2009
Joe Smith is the catalyst that are the 2009 Cavaliers... giving him up with Damon "whackjob" Jones, brought another skillful knight to the King's court in Mo Williams, and ultimately found his way back to the Kingdom of the Bron. One Down, 15 to go.
