HOUSTON — Dennis Smith Jr. trash-talked Knicks assistant coach Royal Ivey in the visitors’ locker room in Orlando on Wednesday night, joking that he reinjured his back “bustin’ his ass” in practice.
Ivey, the former Thunder swingman who is just 37, participated in one-on-one games against the guards last week with the club injury-riddled.
Nevertheless, Ivey may not get his chance at revenge on Smith. Knicks coach David Fizdale isn’t sure if Smith will get his back right by the season finale Wednesday against Detroit, after it “really stiffened up on him.’’
Smith said the re-injury likely happened in Saturday’s game against Miami — not against Ivey.