Amar’e Stoudemire has succeeded in his first season in New York, making basketball matter again to those it matters most. Tonight, he will be recognized for it.
Stoudemire likely will be named as a starter for this year’s All-Star Game, which will be announced before tonight’s game. He would become the first Knick to start in an All-Star Game since Patrick Ewing in 1992 and the first Knick to play in one since Allan Houston and Latrell Sprewell in 2001.
“I think [it’s a big deal],” Stoudemire said. “I think the fans appreciate it. It wouldn’t be possible if it wasn’t for the fans. They’re very appreciative of the hard work that we’ve put forth in New York as a team, and so I’d be honored to be a starter.”
Stoudemire, who ranked second in fan votes for forwards in the Eastern Conference during the last announced update, likely will be joined in the East by two of tonight’s opponents, Heat stars LeBron James and Dwyane Wade, as well as Chicago’s Derrick Rose and Orlando’s Dwight Howard. The projected Western starters are L.A.’s Kobe Bryant, New Orleans’ Chris Paul, Minnesota’s Kevin Durant, Denver’s Carmelo Anthony and Houston’s Yao Ming, who will need to be replaced because of injury for the Feb. 20 game in Los Angeles. The remaining All-Stars will be announced on Feb. 3.
* Wilson Chandler, fresh off a 25-point performance in Monday’s 115-106 win over the Wizards, did not practice yesterday as a precautionary measure, but will be starting tonight.
“His calf was bothering him,” coach Mike D’Antoni said. “It was a little sore, but he’ll be 100 percent to go. He’ll be ready to go [tonight].”
* The Heat do not have a definitive date when Chris Bosh will return from a sprained ankle he suffered on Jan. 15. The power forward took part in shooting drills yesterday, but may miss the team’s next four games. Miami is 1-1 without Bosh.
James said he hopes the All-Star’s absence will give the rest of the team a chance to emerge from the Big Three’s shadow. Mike Miller’s 32 points and 10 rebounds in the Heat’s 120-103 win over Toronto on Saturday may just be the beginning.
“We want our guys to play with confidence,” James said. “I think it’s a great opportunity.
We want C.B. back as quick as possible, but it’s given guys opportunity to play with confidence and just let their hair down. We’re going to need a full team effort, especially [tonight] with that team we’re playing against.”