Fansided

New York Knicks’ J.R. Smith says his knee still bothers him

By Andrew Melnick

Nov 23, 2013; Washington, DC, USA; New York Knicks shooting guard J.R. Smith (8) dribbles the ball as Washington Wizards shooting guard Bradley Beal (3) chases in the fourth quarter at Verizon Center. The Wizards won 98-89. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 23, 2013; Washington, DC, USA; New York Knicks shooting guard J.R. Smith (8) dribbles the ball as Washington Wizards shooting guard Bradley Beal (3) chases in the fourth quarter at Verizon Center. The Wizards won 98-89. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports /
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Nov 23, 2013; Washington, DC, USA; New York Knicks shooting guard J.R. Smith (8) dribbles the ball as Washington Wizards shooting guard Bradley Beal (3) chases in the fourth quarter at Verizon Center. The Wizards won 98-89. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 23, 2013; Washington, DC, USA; New York Knicks shooting guard J.R. Smith (8) dribbles the ball as Washington Wizards shooting guard Bradley Beal (3) chases in the fourth quarter at Verizon Center. The Wizards won 98-89. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports /

New York Knicks’ guard J.R. Smith just hasn’t been the same guy this season.

Last year, he put up 18.1 points per game on 42.2% shooting from the field and was named the NBA’s Sixth Man of the Year.

This season? He’s averaging 11.7 points per game on a career-low 32.8% shooting from the field.

“My jumper just hasn’t been there,” Smith told Peter Botte of the New York Daily News. “That’s situations where I got to make my teammates better, get guys open shots and keep driving to the hole. But one thing, I’m not going to stop shooting.”

Smith admitted that his surgically repaired left knee is still bothering him.

“Somewhat, but it’s all right, I’m still playing…It’s taking time. I’m not one to make excuses, but I got to play better. If it’s hurting that bad, then I shouldn’t be playing. I’m out there and I’m going to try to give it all I got.”

Smith’s Knicks, who have gotten off to a disaster of a start at 3-12, will be back in action Sunday night when they host the New Orleans Pelicans at 7:30 pm EST.

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