J.R. Smith lights it up for Knicks
New York Knicks' J.R. Smith (8) shoots over Orlando Magic's Jason Richardson (23) during the first half. (April 5, 2012) Credit: AP
ORLANDO, Fla. -- Mike Woodson said Thursday that he wants J.R. Smith to be more professional "on and off the floor."
Smith took care of the "on the floor" part Thursday night. He was a positive force off the bench with 15 points and a career-high nine assists as the Knicks beat the Magic, 96-80.
Smith scored 13 points in the second quarter as the Knicks expanded a two-point lead to 12 at halftime. He hit all five of his second-quarter shots, including three three-pointers.
That's what Woodson said he wanted from Smith, who got a talking-to from the interim coach after being ejected from Tuesday's loss to Indiana for a flagrant foul.
"I want him to be happy when he's on the floor playing, feel good about himself," Woodson said. "If we make mistakes, miss shots, it's OK. Just try to make up the difference the next time down the floor, both ways.
"Off the floor, I expect him to be more professional. It's not just playing on the floor, it's how you present yourself off the floor as well."
Woodson went as far as to talk to Smith about how he dresses off the court.
On it, Woodson wants the volatile Smith to not have "that look on his face like the world is coming down on him" when things go badly. Off it, he wants Smith to dress differently.
"I'm not going to let him off the hook,'' Woodson said. "I want his shorts pulled up. I want him to look presentable, be a professional. That's what it's all about."
Said Smith: "It means a lot because this is really the first time I've had verbal conversations with the head coach. It means a lot to me. It helps out with my confidence."
So does playing well. The score was tied at 23 when Smith scored eight of the Knicks' next 11 points on two threes and a sweet 17-foot jumper. He also assisted on Steve Novak's three-pointer with 8:31 left in the half, which gave the Knicks a 37-26 lead.
The Magic never made a serious run as the Knicks rebounded from blowing a 17-point lead over Indiana. Smith had a quiet second half, taking four shots, and went 6-for-12 in 33:47.
"I just need him to be that big punch coming off the bench," Woodson said. "That's what he can do and that's what I'm going to push him to do.''
