Smith on Warriors' Game 4 adjustments: 'Non-shooters just made shots'

For the Cleveland Cavaliers, Game 4 of the NBA Finals was like a bad dream. For Cavs shooting guard J.R. Smith, Game 4 was an absolute nightmare.

He contributed little to his team's attempt at a 3-1 series lead with four points, two rebounds, and two assists.

On Saturday - at the Cavs' media session - Smith chose not to credit Golden State Warriors head coach Steve Kerr and his staff for their Game 4 adjustments, as reported by CBS Sports' Matt Moore. When asked to share his thoughts on the Dubs' altered approach, Smith stated, "Honestly, I don't really think it did much. They got a few cherry picks where we didn't get back on defense. But other than that, they just made shots. Their non-shooters just made shots."

Kerr inserted do-it-all wing Andre Iguodala into the starting lineup on Thursday, replacing 7-foot center Andrew Bogut. This change resulted in Iggy delivering his best performance, in his first start, of the entire season - 22 points and eight rebounds.

Additionally, the contributions of Harrison Barnes, Draymond Green and Shaun Livingston combined with Iguodala's numbers made for an impressive collective output - 60 points (21-of-39 shooting) and 7-of-17 from beyond the arc.

Smith believes that the Cavs must go back to basics, returning to the same game plan that brought his team wins in Games 2 and 3.

We've controlled the pace the whole series outside of the last game. We've played where we want it, how we want it. I think we just need to get back to what we're doing, especially offensively. They're trying to protect the paint, wall off LeBron. There are going to be opportunities, we've just got to be ready for it.

Smith has been struggling throughout the championship round. Entering Sunday's Game 5, Smith is averaging nine points, 3.5 rebounds and 0.8 assists in 33 minutes per game. He is shooting 29.8 percent from the field and 25 percent from 3-point range.