Nuggets' J.R. Smith injured in car crash

Neptune, N.J. -- Denver Nuggets forward J.R. Smith was taken a New Jersey hospital after his sport utility vehicle collided with another car.

The (Newark, N.J.) Star-Ledger reported Smith was taken to Jersey Shore University Hospital in Neptune, N.J., by ambulance, while a passenger from his SUV was airlifted to the same hospital to be treated for serious head wounds. Both were ejected from the vehicle during the accident, the newspaper said.

Smith's father reportedly said he expected his son to be out of the hospital late Sunday. However, the passenger was still listed in extremely critical condition Sunday.

The driver of the other vehicle and a second passenger from Smith's SUV both received minor injuries.

Smith averaged 13 points and 2.3 rebounds in 63 games with the Nuggets last season.

Copyright 2007 by United Press International.