If J.R. Smith is going to win the Nuggets' starting shooting guard job, he better wake up. Literally.

Smith said Nuggets coach George Karl wants him to "be serious" about practice by showing up early. It doesn't always work.

"I'm not really a morning person," Smith said. "But I've just got to get into it. I've been trying. I've been making an effort."

At least Smith woke up in time to have a good outing Sunday. He scored 15 points, shooting 3-of-7 from three-point range, to help the Nuggets to a 124-105 preseason pounding of Detroit.

Karl has expressed frustration with Smith's defense. But Karl thought Smith had a solid all-around game. "It seems like he's in a better rhythm when he's with the starters," Karl said.