J.R Smith added another chapter to his tumultuous season last night in Sacramento. The troubled guard scored 29 points in the Knicks(30-42) 107-99 victory over the Kings(25-46). Smith had the hot hand early. He connected on all four of his three point attempts in the first quarter.
Smith shot 9-12 from three point range for the night. He tied John Starks and Latrell Sprewell's team record of nine three point baskets in one game. Smith is now tied with Kobe Bryant for the most games in NBA history with at least nine three point field goals. As a prep star at St Benedict's, Smith would put 1,000 shots as his daily regimen. When he's on he is as deadly a shooter as there is in the NBA. When Smith is struggling relegating him to the D-league for life doesn't seem like a bad proposition. A bad shot for him is usually uglier than what your used to seeing. Shot selection has never been one of Smith's respectable characteristics.
As usual the Knicks let Sacramento back into the game. Smith stayed hot for the entire night. Every time the Kings got to within striking distance J.R was there to counter with a three. At one point the Kings trimmed the Knicks 24 point third quarter lead to 96-94. Smith extended the lead to 99-94 by connecting on his third three pointer of the fourth quarter.
This is what J.R Smith can accomplish when he's not busy getting high or pulling at shoe laces. The Knicks are going to need Smith to play at a high level during the next ten games. Atlanta has hit a dry spell, losing four consecutive games. New York is on the outside looking in but are still alive in the playoff picture.
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