NBA

Amar’e says Knicks weren’t ‘buying into’ D’Antoni

Amar’e Stoudemire did not name names, but he also didn’t sugarcoat the reason why Mike D’Antoni is no longer Knicks coach.

“He was frustrated that everyone wasn’t buying into the system,’’ Stoudemire said after the Knicks destroyed the Blazers, 121-79, in Mike Woodson’s coaching debut. “It made it look bad. I guess stepping down was the best way for him.”

Stoudemire, who played for D’Antoni in Phoenix, was likely referring to Carmelo Anthony. Stoudemire always supported his coach, while fellow star Anthony rarely did. Stoudemire said he had a good conversation with D’Antoni yesterday afternoon after D’Antoni stepped down.

“He was raving about how great a man I’ve become and also as a player and professional,’’ Stoudemire said. “He was raving about me personally. He felt like we were in a good place and felt positive of the situation. He felt this week was the time to make a run for the playoffs and he didn’t want to do it in a week.’’

Jeremy Lin probably owes D’Antoni the most, as he mastered his point-guard-oriented speedball system in February and turned into a global icon. Lin exchanged text messages with D’Antoni but hopes to speak to him at length soon.

“For me it’s a little more emotional,’’ Lin said. “Obviously I miss him a lot. What he did for me and my career, I am not going to forget what he did for me personally. I am sad to see him go. I owe him a lot.’’

Tyson Chandler said D’Antoni’s move was the ultimate “sacrifice.’’

“Sometimes a team does need changes,’’ Chandler said. “I don’t want to say necessarily this is what we needed, but sometimes it takes something to shake the team up. OK, it’s time to wake up now. In this situation, Coach felt it was the right thing to do. He saw where the team was going, saw the potential of the team, saw how far this team can go. He sacrificed himself in this situation. He knew this team has great capabilities and we’re not living up to our potential. The only thing I can do is respect him for that decision.’’

On the greaseboard in the locker room before the game, it read “Have Fun again.’’ And the Knicks sure did in blasting the Trail Blazers.

“Mr. Dolan had a phenomenal speech and so did Coach Woodson,’’ Stoudemire said. “We have to have the same respect for Coach Woodson as we did for our previous coach.’’

* Toney Douglas did not attend the game because of “personal reasons.” He could be dealt at today’s trade deadline.