J.R. Smith

Cavaliers' J.R. Smith (thumb) struggles in return to the lineup

Cleveland Cavaliers guard/forward J.R. Smith only managed 3 points on 1-of-9 shooting in 19 minutes of action as the Cavs fell 106-101 to the Detroit Pistons on Thursday.

What It Means:

This was Smith's first game back after missing 33 games following thumb surgery, so it's understandable that he was a bit rusty here. It will likely take him a couple of games to find his groove again, but he hasn't been having a particularly strong season in general, averaging only 8.4 points, 2.1 rebounds, 1.2 assists and 1.2 steals in 28.5 minutes per game.

Smith finished last among Cavs players with an ugly -37.6 nERD in Thursday's loss, per numberFire Live. He ranks 396th among 473 players with a -2.2 nERD on the season.