JR Smith's first showing a win for the Knicks

[RayTrey]

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JR Smith's first showing a win for the Knicks

 

In his Knicks debut, JR Smith gave the fans a little taste of exactly what they can expect from him the rest of the season - someone who will score in bunches but often go through his struggles as well.

 

Smith played his first game in a Knicks uniform Sunday at home in a 104-97 victory over the Mavericks. He finished with 15 points off the bench on 6-16 shooting, including 3-9 from three point range. He also added three rebounds and two assists.

 

He checked into the game at the 5:43 mark of the first quarter, and just a minute later knocked down a three pointer on his first attempt, wasting little time making his presence felt.

 

But he wasn't done there, he was just getting started.

 

He followed that up with another a couple possessions later and had the crowd in a frenzy after forcing the Mavericks to call a time out. And for good measure hit one more off a step back dribble from the left wing letting everyone know he was officially back. And showing a certain swagger in his step while playing with a lot of confidence.

 

He hit three of his first four shots --all threes-- and had a quick nine points before the first quarter came to a close.

 

Then came a little bit of the inconsistent Smith.

 

He cooled off considerably the rest of the way and hit just three of his last 12 attempts - often missing bad including clanking one off the backboard that led to an eventual shot clock violation.

 

But taking into account that just a couple days ago Smith was playing in China, that he hasn't had a chance to practice with his new team yet, and had to play on one of the biggest stages in sports his first game back - we can all cut him a little bit of slack.

 

Although known mostly for his explosive and sometimes sporadic play, Smith didn't turn the ball over in 29 minutes, worked hard on the defensive end, and made some nice plays setting up open looks for his teammates as well.

 

It's just one game, and Smith's sometimes historical out of control play and suspect shot selection may lead to some frustration among Knicks faithful down the road, but he gets a passing grade here.

 

This team is gelling incredibly well right now, and Smith looked at home in a familiar role providing instant offense off the bench. If Carmelo can come back and keep from disrupting what they've recently put together, this team has a chance to do some damage the rest of the way, and Smith has a chance to be an integral part of that.

 

Written by: RayTrey

Edited February 21, 2012 by RayTrey

[Sħãlïq™]

Good stuff, RayTrey! Keep it up.

[fish7718]

I didnt have a problem with any of the shots he took tbh, in D'antoni's system if you get an open shot, take it. A lot of the shots he was taken where when the offense got pretty stagnant and he was just trying to set a spark. He also had to take a few shots when the shot clock was running down.

Edited February 20, 2012 by flsh7718

[JYD]

I didnt have a problem with any of the shots he took tbh, in D'antoni's system if you get an open shot, take it. A lot of the shots he was taken where when the offense got pretty stagnant and he was just trying to set a spark. He also had to take a few shots when the shot clock was running down.

Well said. He wasn't really in chuck mode, although like two of the shots didn't even hit the rim, and they were decent looks..

[RayTrey]

Good stuff, RayTrey! Keep it up.

Thanks!

[ChosenOne]

He did exactly what they wanted him to do. I think Brown said it correct when he said he is a 6-6 Nate Robinson. You will love him and hate him but that's who he is going to be no matter what. Hes gonna shoot that's what he does and all he can do.