J.R. Smith is on a special kind of run right now.

He’s been one of the most criticized Cavs players over the past two playoff runs. People said the moment was too big for him, that you couldn’t trust him, that he’d never be able to contribute on a stage as large as the NBA Finals.

Throw all that shit out the window, folks. The Cavaliers are NBA Champions, and J.R. Smith played a huge part in our team winning the game we’ll never forget on Sunday.

But this run I’m talking about, the Summer of J.R. Smith, all started with his daughter Demi’s comments about her daddy after the Cavs win in Game 6:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZAV8fRNN-xA

Us too, Demi. Us too.

Then, and I’m not sure this is getting talked about enough (we’ll get there, we only have the rest of eternity to talk about that game), J.R. put in 8 points in the first two and a half minutes of the second half on Sunday. He helped squash what looked like a potential Warriors run, keeping us within 2 at the 9:30 mark in the third.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1MxoM6Pl0HQ

After the win, Smith gave what I’m sure will go down as one of the most memorable post game pressers of all time.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Up12Su7-JeQ

You honestly can’t say enough about that three minute clip. Most guys pack it in when they get emotional, maybe ask for the next question or walk off the stage altogether. Not J.R. He fought through the tears to give his full answer so the world could hear what his father and family means to him. A special moment.

After that, J.R. was understandably ready to party.

Must have left his shirt in Vegas, cause when The Pipe stepped off the plane in Cleveland yesterday, well, you had to see that coming.

What. A. Rollercoaster. And I think (hope) this is only the first of many hills and loops.

You can’t help but be happy for this guy. Watch this Vice ride along with him from earlier this year. After all he’s been through, to be able to experience this run with his family and contribute and be embraced by his teammates and this city, man. Try not to smile.

I cannot WAIT to see what he has in store for Wednesday.