Dennis Smith Jr. was back at Madison Square Garden, on familiar territory and with his teammates, a calming feeling after the sudden passing of his stepmother. But he still wasn’t ready to play after two weeks away from the team.
Smith flew to Dallas to meet the team, working out Friday morning and evening, but he returned to the hotel to watch the game that night. For Smith Jr., the decision to return to the team came when he felt ready and the return to the court will, too.
“Just being able to spend that time with family, I appreciate the staff and Fiz and my teammates,” Smith said before Sunday night’s game against the Cavaliers.