Smith (15) comes off bench shooting

J.R. Smith needed a little more than a minute to introduce himself to the Knicks' offense and less than four to show how explosive he can be.

Smith came off the bench and scored nine points on three three-pointers in the first quarter of his Knicks debut Sunday. Smith, who was briefed on the Knicks' offense right before the game, wasn't shy. He had 15 points and shot 6-for-16 in 29:43.

"The first five minutes were really mind-blowing," Smith said. "The whole time during warm-ups, I'm sitting here thinking to myself this is crazy. I'm at the Garden, wearing a Knicks uniform, this is crazy. I'd never imagine doing this in a million years."

Smith, a New Jersey native, signed with the Knicks on Friday. He was in game shape because he had been playing in China, but Smith didn't expect to play as much as he did.

Mike D'Antoni met with Smith for the first time about 90 minutes before the game. He said he wasn't sure Smith would play. But with the Knicks without Carmelo Anthony (groin) and Bill Walker (elbow) and Iman Shumpert picking up two quick fouls, D'Antoni turned to Smith about midway through the first quarter and kept going to him.

"Coach, he shocked me," said Smith, who played the entire fourth quarter. "He told me I was barely going to play and if I did get in the game, it'd probably be limited minutes. To be in a great situation, going down the stretch, having that confidence in me, my teammates, they were unbelievable."

Smith said he was considering the Knicks, Clippers and Lakers. He said what "sealed the deal" was a talk with former Nuggets teammate Anthony. "Playing in L.A. with the Lob City crew, and coming home and playing in front of my family and friends and guys I know, it was really a no-brainer," Smith said. "Playing with the system that fits my game to a T. It was a perfect situation for me. I'd have been a fool not to take it."

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The Knicks are getting closer to being whole. D'Antoni said he expects Anthony to play Monday night against the Nets. Baron Davis was active for the first time this season but didn't play. D'Antoni said he could make his debut Monday night.

The Knicks definitely got a boost from Smith. He can be a wild card because of his penchant for shooting too much or taking bad shots, but he's a playmaker and shotmaker and could flourish in D'Antoni's system.

Said Tyson Chandler: "J.R. Smith brings a punch and an element to the game that we haven't had."

"He does have a lot of talent," D'Antoni said. "He can make plays. He can shoot the basketball. Shooting is something we really need. That's hurt us this year.''