Fansided

JR Smith Says New York Knicks Would Have Eliminated Boston Celtics if He Wasn’t Suspended for Game 4

By Josh Sanchez

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Apr 26, 2013; Boston, MA, USA; Boston Celtics head coach Doc Rivers (right) and power forward Jeff Green (8) hold back shooting guard Jason Terry (second from right) as he goes after New York Knicks shooting guard J.R. Smith (not pictured) after being fouled by Smith during game three of the first round of the 2013 NBA playoffs at TD Garden. Smith would receive a flagrant foul 2 and was ejected from the game. Mandatory Credit: Mark L. Baer-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 26, 2013; Boston, MA, USA; Boston Celtics head coach Doc Rivers (right) and power forward Jeff Green (8) hold back shooting guard Jason Terry (second from right) as he goes after New York Knicks shooting guard J.R. Smith (not pictured) after being fouled by Smith during game three of the first round of the 2013 NBA playoffs at TD Garden. Smith would receive a flagrant foul 2 and was ejected from the game. Mandatory Credit: Mark L. Baer-USA TODAY Sports /

The Boston Celtics needed overtime against the New York Knicks to extend the series to a game five, but they were able to notch their first win of the series and keep their postseason hopes alive.

New York was without Sixth Man of the Year J.R. Smith in game four because of a hard foul on Jason Terry in game three that resulted in a flagrant foul 2 and caused Smith to be ejected from the game and suspended for the following contest.

While the Celtics extended the series, Smith wasn’t ready to give Boston any credit for the win. He simply believes his absence is the only reason the Knicks did not close out the series on Sunday.

Per Ian Begley of ESPN New York:

"J.R. Smith thinks the New York Knicks would have swept the Boston Celtics if he had been playing in Game 4 of the division rivals’ playoff series.“Oh yeah, it would’ve been over,” Smith said after Tuesday’s practice. “I’d have been playing golf today.”“It was very tough to watch,” Smith said. “Especially that first half. I mean, from the turnovers to missing shots. … It wasn’t the easiest thing ever.“I wasn’t pleased with it. My teammates wasn’t either. I’ll get the chance to make up for it tomorrow.”"

Smith will return to the line up for game five, so you can be sure he will be looking to make his impact felt more than ever.

In this series, Smith has totaled 49 points in his three games.