When Knicks coach Derek Fisher decided to start Jason Smith for the second half of Thursday’s 95-90 upset win over the Cavaliers and hold center Samuel Dalembert out for the final three quarters, there was more at work than just matchups.
Dalembert, the Knicks’ starting center, was battling a sore left calf that was wrapped up.
After Fisher’s dealings with Jose Calderon, who is out two-to-three weeks with a lingering calf issue, the coach played it safe, though the former Seton Hall shot-blocker was available to play.
Dalembert played just 5:34 and didn’t score. Smith had a big impact, hitting for 12 points on 5-of-6 shooting. Dalembert is expected to be ready for Sunday’s game against the Hornets.
As expected, the Knicks let the Oct. 31 extension deadline pass without exercising the rookie-contract, third-year option on point guard Shane Larkin, even after his nine-point, five-steal performance.
He will be a free agent, because the Knicks want to see more from the 22-year-old. Iman Shumpert also didn’t get an extension, and his rookie contract will expire after the season.