It was nearly time for J.R. Smith to step up and take over.
LeBron James has continued to carry the Cleveland Cavaliers on his back throughout the NBA Finals, but Tuesday's Game 3 saw him get a little help from what's left of his supporting cast. The team defense has been great, open jumpers are getting knocked down, and when his teammates aren't taking his buckets out of the net, they're helping him produce points.
That almost proved counterproductive in the fourth quarter, as a Matthew Dellavedova alley-oop pass led to a vicious James finish, and nearly an injury.
It's not entirely clear from the highlight where James hurt himself, but he was limping following the play and received treatment on his left leg during the ensuing timeout. James has a history of muscle cramps, and with barely a breather through three games, it's entirely possible that was at play here.
James didn't require any missed game time, so it'll likely be just another note on his lengthy, unofficial injury report for the end of the season. Disaster averted.
