National Basketball Association

J.R. Smith says Cleveland is good for him because there's nothing to do there

Published Jan. 28, 2015 4:46 p.m. ET

Jimmy Traina

J.R. Smith averaged 10.9 points in 24 games with the lowly Knicks this season. Since being traded to Cleveland on Jan. 5, Smith is scoring 14.3 points per game.

According to the shooting guard, the better play has been a result of getting away from New York City's nightlife.

Smith, who had his share of controversies in the Big Apple, told NBA.com that the lack of action in Cleveland has been beneficial:

"I think this is the best situation for me, 'cause there's nothing but basketball. There's nothing you expect but basketball. There's nothing, there's no going out, there's no late nights. There's video games, basketball and basketball."

Smith also said that the lack of night life has lead to more gym time.

"I always made myself better by staying in the gym. When you replace that with stuff off the court, then you're taking away from what made you who you are, or what got you to a certain point. It was kind of pulling me down in a sense, of not getting enough rest, not doing things you're supposed to be doing, things you're used to doing. So when you start missing those shots you're supposed to make, especially wide-open shots, it was like, alright, what's going on, what's going on? Instead of looking at what it is, you're reverting to that even more, instead of going back to the basics. So I think that's the greatest part about being here."