Opening-night jitters behind him, Amar’e Stoudemire vowed to be a different, better player Thursday night.
The Knicks’ $100 million power forward said he will be more cognizant of their defensive strategy and more aware of his place in the offense, saying he’ll “have a much better game’’ than in his six-point, one-rebound debut in Tuesday’s 105-100 loss to Portland.
Stoudemire, as if to prove his point, did extra shooting drills for 45 minutes after practice to prepare for Thursday night’s Garden rematch against the Spurs. The Knicks upset San Antonio in Alamo City on Nov. 15 during loftier times. The Knicks (21-10) have lost two straight, four of their last six, five of their last eight — the Knicks’ defense (ranked 18th in defensive efficiency after being in the top-five) is no longer something to brag about.
Stoudemire said the standing ovation when he checked into the game with 3:31 left in the first quarter to start his season threw him for an emotional loop and it took time to get his bearings.
“I was extremely surprised to be honest with you by the fans,’’ Stoudemire said. “It was so loud, I was very emotional. The game was going so fast for me out there. I never felt that feeling before. But now I got that first game under my belt. Going into game two, I’ll be more aware of what’s happening and will have a much better game.’’
Knicks coach Mike Woodson was disappointed with Stoudemire’s performance on defense. He was out of position on rotations and didn’t understand their new pick-and-roll defense that differs from last season’s game plan.
Stoudemire said he will become a better defender as the season goes on. Yesterday, he threw his old Suns and Knicks coach Mike D’Antoni under the bus, saying his former coaches never “taught defense.’’
It was not the first time Stoudemire laid blame on D’Antoni, but it was the most emphatic. It still doesn’t explain why Stoudemire has been a mediocre rebounder during his 10 years.
“Just having a defensive coach for the first time in my career is going to help,’’ Stoudemire said. “I’ve never been taught defense my whole career. To now have a coach who actually teaches defense and strategies and knows positioning and posture and how to guard different plays is going to be helpful and I’m taking it as a challenge and try to improve as a player.’’
During yesterday’s practice, Woodson came over to Stoudemire during a drill to instruct him about a bad angle and the posture he took. It seemed like basic fundamentals. During his debut, Woodson lectured Stoudemire for 30 seconds during a timeout.
“Today was a great practice for us to go over a lot defensive schemes,’’ Stoudemire said. “Being away from the game and not being able to practice with the guys is not great from a defensive standpoint. But going out there [at yesterday’s practice] and understanding strategy will help tremendously [tonight].’’
Stoudemire shot 3-of-8 against Portland. He missed his first five buckets in the first half but made his last three in the second half, two on powerhouse dunks off pick and rolls.
“Now I can envision where the shots are coming from,’’ he said. “Before [Tuesday’s] game, I didn’t know where the shots would come from. The repetition [of] shooting that shot in practice, now taking that into the game and trusting your practice, the game becomes a lot easier.’’
Woodson is being patient with Stoudemire on defense, but admitted the Knicks miss power forward Rasheed Wallace, a defensive specialist who is out until next week.
“You have to have certain rotations,’’ Woodson said. “He’s lacking in that area because he hasn’t been able to practice with us. We got to keep working and get him up to speed.’’
Woodson said he still will keep Stoudemire playing about 16 minutes a game — probably coming off the bench. Nevertheless, Woodson hinted because of the bad starts, he may make a starting-lineup change tonight.
Stoudemire said he thinks he will get to the point where he will be a starter, but qualified it by saying he’s fine to stay as a reserve if the club is winning. Tuesday was the first time he hadn’t started since Nov. 4, 2006. He had started his last 417 games.
“I’ve done it before,’’ Stoudemire said. “I came back from microfracture injury [in 2006] and I came off the bench for a few weeks, then I got back in rhythm and top shape and back to where I was before the injury. I expect to get back into top shape and where I was before. But again, if we’re playing well, I have no problem coming off the bench.’’
Perhaps tonight, Stoudemire’s highlight won’t be his ovation.
“I truly believe they appreciate it,’’ Stoudemire said of joining the moribund Knicks to start the reversal. “I took a chance and they took a chance on me and it’s turned out pretty good success, but we still have a ways to go. I’m still looking to achieve a championship. But so far so good. We’re playing extremely well. I want to make sure I bring a positive light to the team to bring us over the hump.’’