J.R. Smith earns player of the week honors

The Knicks are in the middle of an 8-game win streak, in part behind J.R. Smith. And because of his efforts he was given Eastern Conference Player of the Week today.

This past week the Knicks have gone 4-0 beating Boston twice, Memphis, and Charlotte. During this span Smith has been averaging 29.8 points, 7 rebounds and 1.5 steals a game. He had three straight games with 30-plus points, a franchise record.

J.R. Smith

He has evolved into a solid second scoring option for the Knicks behind Carmelo Anthony. Anthony returned from an injury just before the Knicks started this win streak. Smith has taken his game to the next level this season becoming a more consistent player.

Smith has had trouble in the past with his coaches, George Karl of the Nuggets to name one. He has admitted to doing certain things back in Denver just to make Karl mad. But he doesn’t feel the same way about current coach Mike Woodson. He told Newsday,

More than anything, if I go out and do something I’m not supposed to be doing and not preparing right for the game, not only do I feel like I let my teammates down, I feel I let my coach down. It’s the first time in a long time I really care about not letting my coach down.

When he is as locked into the game and everything that comes with it as he is right now he can make these types of things happen.

With Ama’re Stoudemire currently sidelined for what looks to be the remainder of the regular season, Smith needs to keep up his play. His productive play and energy off the bench is needed for the Knicks to make any sort of noise in the playoffs.

The Knicks look to keep their momentum going full steam ahead behind Smith as they play the Heat in Miami tomorrow night. Look for Smith to continue his hot play as he’s making his way into the sixth-man of the year conversation.

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