J.R. Smith Credits Stoppage of Partying to His Success

Associated Press New York Knicks star shooting guard J.R. Smith has been having one solid year off the bench so far. Smith is shooting an eye-opening 13-of-18 from behind-the-arc this season, which is 72-percent. He is also averaging 18 points and only one turnover in 33 minutes per game. He also averages five rebounds and three assists as well. This might possibly be the best start of the 27-year-old’s career so far, and the nine-year veteran credits it to his partying life in New York coming to an end. “I’m not going to lie. The New York City nightlife pretty much got to me. I was going out pretty much every other night and not focused on the task at hand,” Smith said, according to ESPN New York. Smith’s stats have been boosted completely from last year when he averaged only 12.5 points on 40-percent shooting from the field. His determination this season has helped with the Knicks’ 5-0 record, as they still stand as the only team in the NBA right now without a loss. “He’s so locked in and focused this year,” Knicks center Tyson Chandler said. “He’s a different player. He’s really matured and he’s really buying into what coach is preaching, and it’s been a big help.” Mike Woodson told reporters that Smith has been more of a professional this season, instead of his antics for being a “clown” like his earlier years in the league. “Every day I’m getting into the gym, getting in as much work as I can. A lot of times previously in my career, I had negative energy coming into the gym, not wanting to be there, joking around, goofing off,” Smith said. “This year, it’s been more serious. I understand every road trip we take is a work trip, not just a play trip. You come and work hard. If I work hard, maybe the next guy will see me work hard.” Smith says the he used to rely on his talent to succeed, not much from his attitude or behavior. Smith says he thanks much of New York’s coaching staff for the big switch he’s made to help elevate his game. “Being around the coaching staff, they’re very professional. They’ve been on me for being professional. They’ve been on me about being professional since day one I got here.” Along with Carmelo Anthony playing like a true top-three player in the league now, the Knicks can go a long with this season with all the focus and dedication they’ve been giving so far. The post J.R. Smith Credits Stoppage of Partying to His Success appeared first on FootBasket.