INDIANAPOLIS — Imagine if the Knicks had Brooklyn’s Lance Stephenson and not Jersey’s J.R. Smith.
While Smith returned from banishment in a nondescript performance Thursday, Stephenson made another case he deserves All-Star consideration — and did so at Smith’s expense. Stephenson took glee in pouring salt in the Knicks’ wounds during the Pacers’ 117-89 rout at Bankers Life Fieldhouse.
Stephenson finished with a career-high 28 points on 10-of-17 shooting and capped his evening with a spectacular reverse layup past Smith, who fouled him. The former Lincoln High star glared at the Knicks’ bench after the make. The Pacers were up 28 points at the time, with 5:30 left in the game.
Smith, out of Freehold, N.J., said he was OK with Stephenson’s taunting.
“That didn’t bother me,’’ Smith said. “It’s East Coast basketball. He played great tonight. He’s having a helluva season.’’
Nevertheless, the Knicks players on the bench looked furious, including Tyson Chandler. Afterward Chandler said, “You could do it when you’re winning. It’s our job to keep him from doing that crap.’’
The Knicks could have the Brooklyn big guard but passed not once but twice in the second around in the 2010 draft to take Andy Rautins at 38 and Landry Fields at 39.
Instead, they have Smith trying to play Stephenson’s role. Stephenson badly outplayed Smith in the second round last May, too.
Smith returned from banishment, entering with 3:33 left in the first quarter, ahead of rookie Tim Hardaway Jr. Smith played 27:50, scoring 12 points on 6-of-12 shooting.
“I’m glad, whenever I play I’m satisfied,’’ Smith said. “If I don’t play, I have to keep working to make sure I do play.’’
Smith had been benched by Woodson two of the past four games, once for the sneaker-lace incidents and in Charlotte on Tuesday for acting up on the bench in overtime during the Phoenix game Monday, unhappy with not playing.
Smith had said after the Charlotte loss he wanted to “fix’’ his situation. Asked if he knew how, Smith said, “Yes and no. I think it’s a combination of things. We have to work that out within the team and go from there.’’
But the Knicks coach made it seem like he’s still part of it. It’s unclear if Woodson and Smith are on speaking terms.
“There’s nothing that needs to be said,’’ Woodson said. “ I expect J.R. to be a pro and concentrate on playing basketball. That’s why he’s wearing a Knick uniform. It’s a privilege to play in this league. You got to do all the necessary things on and off the court to be a pro in this league. I don’t think any player should take it for granted. When he’s in uniform his job is to play. When he’s out of uniform his job is to concentrate on being a pro.’’
Nobody is talking about Smith, winner of the Sixth Man of the Year award last year, as an All-Star any longer. Pacers coach Frank Vogel said he believes Stephenson should be in the All-Star conversation as well as a top candidate for Most Improved Player.
Stephenson just released a gag video promoting his All-Star candidacy.
“I thought it was hilarious,’’ Vogel said. “What do they say about Manning being Manning. It was Lance being a goof. I showed it to the team to have laughs and have fun. I don’t think I’ve seen anything quite like the video.’’
Stephenson is averaging 13.3 points, 6.7 rebounds and 5.2 assists on the league’s best team. Stephenson leads the league in triple-doubles with 3. Only LeBron James has numbers in those three statistical categories that are as strong.
“Every part of his game is elevated,’’ Vogel said. ‘I don’t think numbers can tell the story of what any of our players are doing. Everybody on our team is sacrificing minutes and shots.’’
Point guard Pablo Prigioni mulled making his return from a nearly five-week absence Thursday, but the decision was made he needs more conditioning and will be back Monday against the Nets.