Time was running out, and the Knicks looked lost in the waning moments.
Carmelo Anthony had left the game earlier, due to a laceration in his left hand that required stitches. To Melo’s credit, he has stepped up his defensive efforts this season, and the League and everyone watching has taken notice.
But with 3.4 seconds left, not having your best player, who also happens to be one of the most lethal weapons in clutch situations can certainly leave a team under greater duress, with the game hanging in the balance.
J.R. Smith, meanwhile, has been enjoying a productive season by playing better on both ends, and also a slight increase in PPG (at 13.5 this year). And last night, despite struggles from the field, particularly from the three-point line (where he shot 1 of 9), he took on that closer role, stepping up to drain an 18-foot fadeaway to down the lowly Bobcats.
(Photo credit: Reuters)
Smith has always had a reputation of someone who never met a shot he didn’t want to take, and that includes tough shots like this one.
Check out the game winner below.
Oh, man, the look on Michael’s face.
(Feature Image Credit: NorthJersey.com)
