Awaiting doctor's report, Knicks don't expect Amar'e back for Game 3
#Knicks awaiting word from hand doc evaluating Stoudemire, but don't expect him in Game 3, league source says. Series return doubtful.
— Ken Berger (@KBergCBS) May 1, 2012
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| Amar'e fought the fire extinguisher, and it won. (Getty Images) |
Update: The New York Daily News reports that Stoudemire will see a hand specialist to determine ligament damage, and is not expected to play in Game 3.
Amar'e Stoudemire punched the casing of a fire extinguisher Monday night and in doing so required stitches on his hand. Stoudemire received treatment in the Knicks
A league source told ESPNNewYork.com that Stoudemire is "almost certain" to miss Game 3 on Thursday in New York and there is a possibility that Stoudemire could miss the rest of the series.
Stoudemire was treated by paramedics and team doctors from both the Knicks and the Heat and was seen leaving the arena with his left forearm and hand heavily bandaged and his arm being supported by a sling. He suffered the laceration on the inside of his palm, on the side of his hand closest to the pinkie.
via 2012 NBA playoffs -- Amare Stoudemire of New York Knicks injures hand after loss - ESPN New York.
If Stoudemire is out, the Knicks' already dismal chances of getting a win over a Heat team that has looked superior in every facet of the game grow dimmer. The same problems have plagued the Knicks as they did in the regular season, that is, Stoudemire and Carmelo Anthony do not appear capable of coexistance on the floor.
Stoudemire has also struggled with signs of having lost a step, and was routinely beaten to position by Chris Bosh on Monday night. Still, Stoudemire is a scoring presence on a team that has struggled to produce. Without him, defending the Knicks becomes that much easier and allows the Heat to gameplan even more to stop Anthony.
The Knicks' rollercoast season is threatening to fly off the tracks. We'll keep you updated on Stoudemire's status for Game 3.
