MSG/ESPN play-by-play man Mike Breen takes a look at J.R. Smith, Amar’e Stoudemire and the rest of the Knicks-Pacers series with The Post’s Justin Terranova.
Q: What do you think the Knicks need to take back home-court advantage in Indiana?
A: They do need that secondary scorer because you know [the Pacers] are going to do everything they can to get the ball out of Carmelo Anthony’s hands. … They need J.R. Smith to get back to what he was doing that final month, in terms of when he mixed it up nicely between driving and using his perimeter game.
Q: Can Mike Woodson afford to sit Smith more if his shooting struggles continue?
A: It’s a tough call for any coach with any player that tends to be erratic. … A lot depends on the situation, if he’s struggling shooting and the Knicks are behind and need offense then he’s one of the guys that can create his own shot, so you might be a little more patient. If it’s a situation where the Knicks are ahead, they might take him out.
Q: Is there a risk to inserting Amar’e Stoudemire back in the rotation after two months out?
A: There’s always a risk of being out of rhythm with everyone else is up to playoff speed, but it’s not like he’s contributing 30-35 minutes. It will just be a supporting role. But with a Pacers team that has a front line like that to have a big guy that could step out and make a jumper like that it’s something that could be real helpful to the Knicks.
Q: What makes the Pacers a difficult matchup?
A: The Pacers are not a sexy team, but they are one of the better ones in terms of on-court chemistry. And Paul George is emerging as one of those go-to guys, and they have other guys that aren’t afraid. Any time a team has that kind of size, defense and passion you know it’s going to be a long series.
Q: Are you surprised at how critical Nate Robinson has become to the Bulls?
A: No. To me Nate Robinson is one of the most talented players in the league with his skill level and athleticism, which is downright nuclear, and his fearlessness. He has the tools, but he hasn’t always been focused and worked as hard as he should have in his career. But he’s putting it together right now. He’s with a coach that’s demanding of that, and he’s in a situation where they absolutely need him. And he has been spectacular.