J.R. Smith injures knee, does not return to Cavaliers-Raptors game

A worrisome injury for Cleveland with their best wing shooter and defender going down

By Matt Moore

Dec 5, 2016 at 9:59 pm ET • 1 min read

Cleveland Cavaliers guard J.R. Smith left the Cavaliers' game vs. the Raptors on Monday night with a left knee injury and did not return. Smith suffered the injury on landing and there didn't appear to be contact on the knee, which is always concerning.

J.R. Smith goes down in a lot of pain pic.twitter.com/lDMNwz1Ypk
— Kenny Ducey (@KennyDucey) December 6, 2016

Smith wouldn't return to the game and the Cavaliers listed it as a "left knee injury."

If Smith misses significant time, it takes away Cleveland's best spot-up shooter outside of the Big 3, and a two-way wing who has grown into his role as a key wing defender. Iman Shumpert too often struggles with his shot, and Mike Dunleavy struggles with keeping up with faster 2-guards.

Smith's absence would also be felt without Matthew Dellavedova around. Delly's defense and shooting meant he could play next to Kyrie Irving in two-guard lineups. Kay Felder's not really ready for that assignment yet. We'll keep you updated on Smith's condition, but a worrisome situation for the defending champs.