INDIANAPOLIS — After being benched for the second half for the second straight playoff game, Amar’e Stoudemire is confused with his role with the Knicks going forward.
His injury-wracked season never included a single start and ended with coach Mike Woodson not trusting the $100 million man after the first two quarters.
When asked if next season he should come back as a starter alongside Carmelo Anthony, Stoudemire made his loudest statement.
“We didn’t give it a chance,’’ Stoudemire said after the Knicks’ season ended in heartbreak in a 106-99 loss to the Pacers in Game 6 of the Eastern Conference semifinals. “We need to understand exactly what my style of play is and what I bring to the table. It’s something I have to sit down with Coach Woody and express to him.’’
Stoudemire played just 5:47 of the first half in his fourth straight playoff game after missing nearly two months following his second knee debridement surgery. Stoudemire scored just two points and picked up two bad fouls.
Stoudemire donned a black yarmulke leaving yesterday’s morning shoot-around at Bankers Life Field House. Stoudemire, who claims to have Jewish roots on his mother’s side, hoped to unleash his talentsin the do-or-die Game 6 but his opportunity never materialized as he didn’t see the court in the second half for the second straight game.
But last night, Stoudemire, hoping for better fortunes, played an ineffective first half (1-of-3, one turnover) again.
Stoudemire played just 29 regular-season games this season. Ultimately, Anthony didn’t have enough help in the playoffs as J.R. Smith — who had just 15 points last night on 4-of-15 shooting (2-of-9 from 3-point range) didn’t rise up as the Knicks’ secondary scorer.
Asked about the injuries, Stoudemire said late last night, “It’s pretty much been the season for me. Without a doubt. There’s no doubt about it.’’
Asked about his wearing of the yarmulke for spiritual luck, Stoudemire said, “Shabbat Shalom, buddy.’’
Earlier in the day, when asked about his second-half benching in Game 5, Stoudemire said, “It’s alright — as long as we won the game. That’s all that matters.’’
Stoudemire said Woodson hadn’t explained his predicament. Now he definitely would like to talk with his coach with the season finished.
* Woodson said he probably played a few times with concussions during his playing career, from 1980-91. Under the new collective bargaining agreement, the NBA has new concussion rules in which a player must pass a series of tests before the league clears him to play. Pacers point guard George Hill was indeed cleared last night, and scored 12 points and added five rebounds and four assists .
“Back in the day, I know I’ve taken some blows,’’ Woodson said. “You could easily call it concussion but, hell, you just play. But that’s the policy. And it’s a good policy.because again this is still a basketball game and you have to deal with your health. That’s more important.’’