A joking Mike Woodson wants to punch panic out of J.R. Smith
Mike Woodson reacts to a foul call during the game against the Indiana Pacers at Madison Square Garden. (Nov. 20, 2013) Credit: Getty
PORTLAND, Ore. -- The losing hasn't affected Mike Woodson's sense of humor. At least he seemed to be joking.
Unhappy that J.R. Smith said after a recent loss that he's "panicking" over the Knicks' struggles, Woodson said he might "punch him out" for saying that.
"I don't like players feeling that way," Woodson said before Monday night's game. "It's a long season. I've been around long enough to see where things can turn awfully fast. To be sitting here after 12 games talking about 'I'm in a panic stage,' I might need to go punch him out to get that out of his thought process."
Woodson did have a smirk on his face.
Stoudemire rewarded
Amar'e Stoudemire said it was important for him to have the game he had Saturday -- 5-for-5, 12 points in 21:37. "It shows that your hard work is paying off," he said. "To see that satisfaction, to see that prize, that gift from your hard work -- [you're] definitely grateful."
Stoudemire had 10 points and six rebounds in 24:51 Monday night. Barring any pain or setbacks in his surgically repaired knees, he should be available for 20 minutes each game for the time being. The Knicks don't have a back-to-back until Dec. 5-6.
'I think he's going to be playing more," Carmelo Anthony said. "I'm looking forward to that. His productivity coming off the bench and what he's able to do can really help us a lot."
Thoughts on RoseCarmelo Anthony feels bad for Derrick Rose, who will miss the rest of the season after knee surgery. "I think more it's going to be mental for him," he said. "You start questioning yourself, questioning things at a time like this -- 'Why me?' It's easy to do that. He put in that work for the first one. He has to do the same for this one. It's an unfortunate situation."
Fast breaks
Raymond Felton missed his fourth straight game with a pinched nerve in his hip . . . Portland guard Mo Williams was suspended Monday night for his role in Saturday's fight in the Trail Blazers-Warriors game.
