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Knicks' Mike Woodson benches J.R. Smith, won't comment on it

J.R. Smith (right) is used to coming off the bench, but Mike Woodson never called his name against the Heat.

J.R. Smith (right) is used to coming off the bench, but Mike Woodson never called his name against the Heat.

In the woebegone Eastern Conference, the Knicks are, remarkably, still very much in the thick of it. A strong second half could push New York into one of the top-five seeds, into a position where they could win a first round series. They need J.R. Smith to do it, and they need him playing his best.