Smith Fills Closer Role in Anthony’s Absence
Carmelo Anthony is their MVP but J.R. Smith is their Miracle Man.
With one second left, Smith cut to the left corner and Kidd inbounded to the mercurial Sixth Man. Smith had no other play but fire up the off-balance 21-footer that rattled through, setting off a wild celebration. Earlier this month, in a similar scene, Smith nailed a buzzer-beater in Charlotte from the same corner.
The Knicks had gotten possession with 1 second left after Tyson Chandler forced a Sebastian Telfair turnover. “It was premeditated,’’ Smith said. “When I was walking on the court, I was like, you’re going to make it, you’re going to make it. I was trying to get my form ready and go through my mechanics in my head and let it fly.’’
When asked what he said in the huddle, Smith said, “Just give me the ball. Just give me the ball. I was so hyped and ready for it. It’s something I haven’t done in a while because we have Melo.’’
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