NBA: Rihanna Says On Instagram That Knicks' JR Smith, Rumored Ex-Boyfriend, Parties Too Hard During 2013 NBA Playoffs

According to pop singer Rihanna, New York Knicks star J.R. Smith is struggling as of late because he is partying way too hard as his team battles for their postseason lives during the NBA playoffs.

As the New York Daily News reports, Rihanna posted on her Instagram account a comment with a theory about why Smith has been slumping as of late during the NBA playoffs.

Rihanna thinks it's because "his a-- be hungover from clubbing every night during playoffs."

The Daily News reported last week that Smith, the NBA Sixth Man of the Year and second leading scorer on the Knicks, was seen in SoHo at the Greenhouse club with Rihanna. According to the paper, the best-selling singer was "trying to send a message" to her on-again,off-again boyfriend Chris Brown by hanging out with the Knicks star. It was the second time in five days that the two were seen at the club.

However, while Smith might have been living it up, his vital scoring stats, which the Atlantic Division champion Knicks have been depending on all season off the bench to provide some help for All-Star Carmelo Anthony, have been taking a nosedive. Over his last five games, his shooting percentage has dropped to a lowly 29.2 percent.

Smith acknowledged earlier this week after the Knicks dropped Game 4 to the Indiana Pacers in the semifinals that he had not been playing up to his standards.

"I take the blame for this whole series," Smith said after that game, as ESPN reports. "It started off with Game 4 in Boston or Game 5. I haven't been playing myself. I haven't been playing my part. I've been letting my teammates down. I've been letting my coaches down."

"I have to play more efficient," Smith said. "... It's unacceptable."

Smith had a slight rebound with 13 points and 6 rebounds Thursday in the Knicks' critical Game 5 win over the Pacers that kept their season alive.

Regarding the exchange between himself and Rihanna on Instagram, Smith didn't seem too concerned.

"I'm not worried about Instagram," Smith said after the game. "I'm worried about the playoffs."