J.R. Smith doesn't see Knicks turning season around: 'It's a heart thing'

J.R. Smith went on a rant about the Knicks' lack of heart following Friday's 126-103 loss to the Golden State Warriors.

Smith was asked if the team felt like it could turn things around and said "We're not playing like it, that's for sure," before elaborating:

It’s not a mental thing. It’s a heart thing. We’re letting people score 50 points in the paint over and over again. We ain’t going to win games like that. Guys getting open, hitting shots, running around, high-fiving, laughing, joking. You’re not going to win. I’m not into knocking somebody down and hurting somebody, but we got to do something. We got to stick up for ourselves. We’re letting teams do what they want to. It’s about testing people’s heart.

[h/t: NYPost.com]

Friday's setback extended the Knicks' losing skid to five consecutive contests. Smith scored 17 points in the loss. Carmelo Anthony led the team with 23 points and 16 rebounds, but was even more glib than Smith in describing New York's effort.

"When we lose games like tonight, it's embarrassing," Anthony said. "These games are embarrassing."

Knicks coach Mike Woodson, who heard a loud rendition of the increasingly popular "Fire Woodson" chant from New York fans on Friday, knows the team can only help itself by winning.

"Somewhere along the line we need to draw the line and figure out if we are really committed as a team and are going to try to get in the playoffs," Woodson said. "We can't beg for help, man. We got to go out and win a game just to get this thing started."