Auburn Hills, Mich. – If it seems it has taken awhile for J.R. Smith to get back into the good basketball graces of Nuggets coach George Karl, it’s because it has.
But the key for Smith is it’s starting to happen.
A lack of defensive intensity and difficulty in finding an offensive rhythm were among the contributors to Smith spending more time on the bench in the past few weeks than on the court. But he admittedly has now bought into his new role and that has turned into playing time.
“I’ve finally accepted my role,” Smith said. “When I’m out there on the court with (Carmelo Anthony) and (Allen Iverson), they don’t need me to score. I make open shots when I can, but I play defense, make sure my man don’t score, and I help rebound.”
Smith accomplished all three in large quantities in the Nuggets’ loss at Detroit. His four first-half steals sparked a run that took Denver from a 26-13 first-quarter deficit to a 44-42 halftime lead. Karl already had praised Smith’s performance after the Cleveland game Sunday, calling it “the best he’s played since he’s been injured.”
Smith agreed.
“I rebounded the ball, played probably the best defense I’ve ever played,” Smith said. “Now that I’ve shown him I can do it, I’ve got to show him I can do it every night.”
Nene’s knee
Nene moves around the court better than he did early in the season on a continually healing knee. But he says he is not entirely recovered.
“I’m not healthy yet,” Nene said. “It’s killing me after the game sometimes. A lot of games, a lot of minutes; my body is feeling it. My knee still a little bit, but it’s OK.”
After, and between, games, Nene insists “ice is my best friend” and says other treatment continues.
Footnotes
Nuggets forward Eduardo Najera (tibia) did not play for the second straight game. … Center Marcus Camby looked as healthy and active as he has been in the past few days since suffering back spasms last week. “I felt good tonight.”
