SI

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

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

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.

Published
Chris Mannix
CHRIS MANNIX

Chris Mannix is a senior writer at Sports Illustrated covering the NBA and boxing beats. He joined the SI staff in 2003 following his graduation from Boston College. Mannix is the host of SI's "Open Floor" podcast and serves as a ringside analyst and reporter for DAZN Boxing. He is also a frequent contributor to NBC Sports Boston as an NBA analyst. A nominee for National Sportswriter of the Year in 2022, Mannix has won writing awards from the Boxing Writers Association of America and the Pro Basketball Writers Association, and is a longtime member of both organizations.

Share on XFollow sichrismannix
Home/NBA