Knicks coach Mike D’Antoni acknowledged Baron Davis was too sore to practice Monday, and believes Davis’ Knicks debut may not take place until as late as “next week.’’
“We all wanted things earlier,’’ D’Antoni admitted. “But we want when he comes back he could stay back and not risk the in-and-out and all that stuff.’’
Davis, who has not played this season because of a back injury, is expected to return to practice today. During the condensed lockout schedule, practice time is at a premium, which is why D’Antoni wanted to ease Davis in during games to remove the rust. But Davis has wanted no part of that.
The Knicks had envisioned Davis returning last Saturday in Houston. But he hasn’t looked strong in scrimmages, D’Antoni said he hasn’t had “enough pop’’ and Davis needs recovery time from scrimmages.
Davis’ debut has become an overriding topic because of the Knicks’ struggles, in part caused by their poor point-guard play. But last night, they rekindled some optimism with their 113-86 shellacking of the woeful Pistons.
On Monday, D’Antoni said Davis had “a little issue’’ on why he missed practice. Yesterday, D’Antoni said Davis was sore.
“I don’t think it’s a setback, but he needs more time for things to calm down,’’ D’Antoni said.
The absence of Davis has given D’Antoni motivation to look at fourth-string point guard Jeremy Lin, who played 20 minutes and had six assists Saturday. Last night, Lin played the final five minutes during garbage time and scored four points.
* Amar’e Stoudemire said he won’t sit out any part of the three-games-in-three-nights stretch Thursday against Chicago, Friday in Boston and Saturday back home against the Nets. It’s the first back-to-back-to-back set for the Knicks since the 1999 lockout season, and their only one this season.
Stoudemire tweaked his ankle during second-half warm-ups last night and looked to be in pain.
“Don’t worry about me man, I’m a warrior,’’ Stoudemire said. “I’ve been playing and persevering my whole career. It’s not a real problem at all. We’ve got to win.’’