It doesn't take much for J.R. Smith's words to find themselves all over the Internet and on Tuesday, word had it that the New York Knicks guard and the NBA's 2013 Sixth Man of the Year had some things to say about Jason Terry of the Boston Celtics. It's the playoffs and any little thing will be blown out of proportion, but Smith seemed a little over things as the pressed as questions.
Smith was asked how the Celtics guard played in Game 4 and J.R. didn't hesitate to respond "Who? I don't know who that is."
Ouch!
Steve Popper is a NBA columnist and Knicks beatwriter. It's not just random people retweeting what Smith had to say, this is legit.
Smith was probably upset at himself for losing his head, throwing an elbow and earning himself a Flagrant 2. This equated to a one-game suspension, one which the Celtics took advantage of as Carmelo Anthony didn't get any help from his teammates until late in the game. Terry, on the other hand, had a blast. Some might say Smith's elbow might have woken up this sleeping veteran. Terry scored 18 points, the most he's scored in the playoffs with the Celtics.
Meanwhile, now Smith's senses kick in. Smith said had he played Game 4, there wouldn't be a Game 5 and there's no way one could support or revoke that argument. However, with the Knicks' offensive struggles and Melo being Melo scoring his 36 points, Smith's average of 16 points per game would have made a solid difference.
Also, Smith's scrappy defense could have made a difference.
The Knicks and Celtics meet on Wednesday at 8 p.m. ET in Game 5 as the New York will look to lock up the series avoiding a Game 6 in Boston.