NBA

Knicks coach admits Smith ‘frustrated a little bit’

Mike D’Antoni said yesterday he was unaware J.R. Smith was not participating in the Knicks sideline huddles during Friday’s loss to the Bucks.

“I didn’t know that. It’s news to me right now,” the coach said when asked about it after practice.

“I think he’s fine. I’m sure he’s frustrated a little bit about different things. But he’s finding his way. That usually happens after you come in with all this being geeked up a little bit and then having a little bit of a letdown. We’ll get through this. He’ll be important for us.”

The NBA fined Smith $25,000 yesterday for tweeting a photo of a partially naked woman Friday. The league said the fine was for “posting inappropriate pictures.” Smith said he regretted doing it, admitting Friday, “It wasn’t the smartest move.”

Smith started against Milwaukee but won’t this afternoon versus the Sixers with Tyson Chandler (sore hamstring) likely returning. D’Antoni said Landry Fields will be the starting two-guard.

“Landry’s playing well,” he said.

* D’Antoni also plans to increase the amount of time Jeremy Lin and Baron Davis play together in the backcourt. The dual point-guard tandem worked together Friday.

“I think [it’ll be used] more. I don’t know how much. I think the game dictates that a little bit, who they’re playing,” D’Antoni said. “But I do like two point guards on the floor.”

Lin says operating in the same backcourt with Davis works for him.

“It’s going well. I played off-guard in college,” Lin said. “It’s nice to be able to have two ball-handlers in there because we can split the load. Sometimes I can run to the corner or he can run to the corner and we can be a spot-up shooter rather than initiating the offense.”

* Jared Jeffries (sore right knee) will miss his third straight game today and may not play tomorrow against Chicago. “I don’t have any idea,” D’Antoni said. “It could be longer but he’s a tough guy. He wants to play. I wouldn’t put it past him. But that’ll be up to the trainers.” … D’Antoni on his team right now: “Sometimes we get sidetracked with issues I don’t think are that important. Important things should be getting a playoff spot and getting us going. Hopefully we’re getting there.”