Lima Sopoaga has claimed some of the credit for NBA star JR Smith's inspired performance in game one of the Eastern Conference semifinals.

The 16-test All Black bizarrely started an online feud with Cleveland Cavaliers guard Smith, mocking him for being overshadowed by his Cavs' team-mate LeBron James during the playoffs.

Smith posted an image of a van full of money on his Instagram, asking: "You and your child are driving late at night along a deserted road. You come across a van full of money with the driver dead from an apparent heart attack. What lesson do you teach your child?"

The All Blacks first-five, who is in South Africa with the Highlanders, seized the opportunity to take a pop at the 2016 NBA champion. He commented: "Daddy will all this money buy you a jump shot to help LBJ in the finals?"

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Smith was not impressed by the burn. He replied: "Who are you? Again?"

Sopoaga's words seemed to fire Smith up, who poured in 20 points, which included five-from-six from three point range as Cleveland pipped the Toronto Raptors 113-12 in overtime in game one of the Eastern Conference semifinals in Toronto on Wednesday (NZT).

"Hey JR Smith you can thank me now uso. #MotivationFromNZ" Sopoaga tweeted.

"Just a bit of a push to help the bro out."

Game two in the series is on Friday (NZT).