Knicks guard Dennis Smith Jr. dribbles the ball up court against the Nets at Madison Square Garden on Sunday, Nov. 24, 2019. Credit: Kathleen Malone-Van Dyke
Dennis Smith Jr. went out onto the Madison Square Garden court two hours before game time like always, headphones on, and began his routine, just as if he was a starter or playing major minutes.
But for the last three games — the first one because of a migraine that sidelined him at Golden State, then two because interim coach Mike Miller opted not to call his name — the point guard never got off the bench.