Last week, after the Knicks beat the Celtics handily in Boston, a handful of Knick players including Smith, who's made a point of going to the basket more frequently against them suggested their Atlantic Division foe isn't nearly as strong defensively in the paint without Garnett there.

WSJ: Knicks Beat Up on Depleted Boston

The Lakers fell at the final hurdle last year when they were beaten 4-2 by the Boston Celtics in the finals, a loss which had an impact on all the players and provided inspiration for 2009's victorious run according to the 30-year-old shooting guard.

CNN: Lakers take NBA title with win over Magic

As such, the Knicks' role players struggled mightily against the Pacers and, before that, the Boston Celtics, a pair of teams that pride themselves on making opponents shoot from midrange, by far the most inefficient area of the court.

WSJ: Pacers End Knicks' Season

Boston Celtics head coach Doc Rivers called Collins "a pro's pro" and one of his favorite players he ever coached.

CNN: NBA's Jason Collins comes out as gay