NBA

Knicks’ Stoudemire solid in return from knee surgery

INDIANAPOLIS — Amar’e Stoudemire actually was one of the few Knicks who didn’t play badly on the offensive end.

Stoudemire scored seven points in 8:56 as he made his return in the Knicks’ 82-71 loss to the Pacers Saturday night at Bankers Life Fieldhouse. Stoudemire struggled rebounding the ball, collecting two but missing many others as the Pacers dominated the glass. Stoudemire shot 3-of-8 — even making a 3-point shot at the third-quarter buzzer.

Coach Mike Woodson slightly reduced his minutes plan from the 10-to-15 minute edict he made a few days ago. Stoudemire said after the game his max for the playoffs will be 15.

“I feel great as far as my body is concerned,’’ Stoudemire said. “I felt explosive and in better shape than I thought I was.

“My limit is 15 minutes. I played eight minutes tonight. it’s the coach’s decision. No pressure. There’s no pressure in forcing the issue.’’

Stoudemire has not played since March 8 after a second debridement surgery, this on his right knee. When Stoudemire returned Jan. 1 after his first knee debridement surgery, on his left leg, the medical staff set a maximum of 30 minutes.

“Everything I felt comfortable with doing tonight,’’ Stoudemire said.

There were some who did not think Stoudemire would return this season from his second surgery.

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“I’m ecstatic,” Stoudemire, who averaged 14.2 points in 29 games in the regular season, said before the game. “It’s going to be a great opportunity for me to get back out there with my guys.”

* It wasn’t just a homecoming for Woodson in Indianapolis.

His coaching advisor Bill Smith was the longtime coach at Broad Ripple High School, where he coached Woodson and Pacers point guard George Hill.

Smith joined Woodson’s staff late last season. Broad Ripple also is the alma mater of late-night host David Letterman.

* Knicks superfan Spike Lee offered $40,000 for four courtside seats for the game, but was turned down, according to the Indianapolis Star.

* If J.R. Smith was limited or could not play, Woodson said the Knicks would need more offensive production from Jason Kidd, who entered on a six-game scoreless streak.

“If we’re shorthanded tonight, I’ll go to Kidd and tell him he’s got to shoot a little bit more, be a little bit more aggressive,’’ Woodson said. “I don’t mind doing that. It’s got to come from somebody.”

Kidd must not have gotten the memo. He scored no points and was 0-for-1 from the field.