J.R. Smith Says If Cavaliers Stick to Game Plan Warriors 'Can't Beat' Them

The Cleveland Cavaliers didn't execute up to their high standards in Game 1 of the NBA Finals, but J.R. Smith is confident his team can bounce back if it tidies up some problem areas. 

"If we take care of what we have to take care of, it doesn't matter if they're the '96 Bulls," Smith told reporters Saturday, according to Sports Illustrated. "... We would win. We just got to worry about us, understand that no matter what we do, if we do what we're supposed to do, they can't beat us." 

While Smith's statements are broad in nature, the Cavaliers have some specific things they need to fine-tune if they want to avoid another blowout Sunday night. 

First and foremost, the Cavaliers have to take care of the ball. In Game 1, they committed 20 turnovers compared to 15 assists. They also allowed 14 offensive rebounds. 

Combine the giveaways with the boards, and the Cavaliers gave the Warriors far too many extra possessions. That was evident in the final shot totals, which favored the Warriors 106-86. 

The Cavs also have to play a more disciplined, physical style of defense after they let the Warriors walk into the lane and allowed 56 paint points—a handful of which came on dunks. 

But even if the Cavaliers do make necessary tweaks, a comfortable win likely won't be in order. 

Although the Warriors nabbed a 22-point victory in Game 1, they only boasted two double-figure scorers (Kevin Durant, Stephen Curry) and shot 42.5 percent from the field as a team. 

Factor in some likely progression to the mean from Klay Thompson (six points, 3-of-16 from the field) and Draymond Green (nine points, 3-of-12 shooting), and the Cavaliers will be fighting an uphill battle when it comes to avoiding a 2-0 series deficit.