Could Amar'e Stoudemire be ready for Sunday's Game 7 if necessary? This series might go seven games and coach Mike Woodson was preparing Stoudemire for the second round, which still could begin Sunday if the Knicks put away the Celtics tomorrow. However, the focus has shifted.
This was supposed to be a nice week off for the Knicks, who were talking about sweeping or taking out the Celtics in five games. Stoudemire would be acclimated for the second round with some practices.
But now as the Knicks gather for today's practice, the Celtics are the priority, not getting Stoudemire his scrimmages. There's a good chance Stoudemire is saved for the second round — if they get there.
KNICKS PLAYOFF SCHEDULE
Stoudemire hasn't played since March 7 vs. Oklahoma City and has logged just 29 games this season in which the Knicks were only three games above .500. Stoudemire has yet to be officially cleared for contact, but that's imminent.
"He's making progress,'' Woodson said before last night's horrible 92-86 Game 5 loss to the Celtics. "But he's not ready to play in this series. Provided he doesn't have any setbacks he's looking pretty good. If we get this series [last night] we'll have days to practice with him and give him an opportunity for contact. That's what he needs more than anything. If we can do that, we'll evaluate and see where he is and maybe he can play.''
Woodson repeatedly has said he will throw Stoudemire right into the second-round fire — which could turn into a dicey proposition. Stoudemire was rusty upon his first return on Jan. 1 from knee surgery. It took him at least a half-dozen games to look sharp offensively.
"We got to help Amar'e along a bit too,'' Woodson said, regarding the decision to practice most of the next few days. "Were going to have to have guys ready to play [scrimmage], guys who haven't played a lot of minutes in the series. Set them up to play where he can get some contact before we make a decision to put him back in uniform.''
➤ Jason Kidd was presented the NBA Sportsmanship Award last night before the game. It was his second straight year he had won the honor. He is the first NBA player to win the award, given to the player who best represents the ideals of sportsmanship on the court," in consecutive seasons. It is voted on by the players.
➤ Chris Copeland received two second-place and two third-place votes to finish seventh in the Rookie of the Year balloting. Pablo Prigioni didn't receive a vote. The award went to Portland's Damian Lillard.
➤ The Knicks turned the ball over nine times last night and still lost. … Steve Novak suffered back spasms and wasn't available for the second half.
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