Cav-not: Knicks fall 98-90 in Stoudemire's return

Cav-not: Knicks fall 98-90 in Stoudemire's return

DAVID MAXWELL/EPA

Amar'e Stoudemire (c.) loses the rock on way to the basket between Antawn Jamison (L) and Tristan Thompson.

CLEVELAND CAVALIERS 98, NY KNICKS 90

CLEVELAND At least Amare Stoudemire didnt reinjure his back.

That qualifies as the best news to come out of one of the worst losses of the season for the Knicks. They were inept at both ends on Friday night in a 98-90 defeat to the lowly Cavs, which probably means they will finish no higher than seventh in the East for next weekends playoffs.

Returning to the team for the first time since he suffered a back injury on March 24, Stoudemire didnt find his rhythm until it was too late, with the Knicks already down 19 in the fourth quarter.

We didnt compete, said Mike Woodson, who suffered only his sixth defeat in 21 games since taking over for Mike DAntoni. And thats not acceptable.

WOODY PUTS PRESS ON AMAR'E TO PLAY BETTER DEFENSE

The effort didnt measure up to Woodsons standards, considering that the Cavaliers had lost 24 of their previous 31 games. The Knicks were crushed on the glass, outrebounded by 20 and generally played like a team that was taking the night off after just clinching a playoff berth. Which they did, Thursday night, when the Pacers defeated the Bucks.

It was one of those nights, Carmelo Anthony said after scoring only 12 points and not getting off the bench in the final period. We just didnt bring it. We just didnt have it.

In 27 minutes, Stoudemire had no trouble running the floor, but struggled early on putting the ball in the basket. Gradually, he made some shots, finishing with 15 points on 5-of-11 shooting. Eight of his points came in the fourth quarter, with the Knicks out of it.

Afterward, he reported no problems with his back.

As the game went on I felt more and more comfortable, he said. I felt my rhythm coming back a lot faster. I felt great all the way around. I felt great throughout the entire game.

Defensively, he was as much of a liability as hes ever been, and he grabbed just three rebounds. But on this night, he was not alone, as the Knicks allowed Kyrie Irving to score 21 and Manny Harris to add 19.

I thought he played OK, Woodson said of Stoudemire. But no one played well defensively. When your point guard leads you in rebounding (Toney Douglas, nine) . . . we did not compete.

Now, theyll try to win their last three games, starting Sunday in Atlanta, when they expect to get Baron Davis back in uniform after he had to sit out Friday with a stomach virus. Mike Bibby took his place.

The natural concern against the Cavs was whether Stoudemire would fit in or if the Knicks would start to struggle with another Alpha scorer who needs the ball. Of course, Stoudemire thought it would be the former. But the Knicks fell to 6 -2 with Stoudemire and Anthony in the lineup under Woodson.

Carmelo is a phenomenal player, but he cant do it by himself, Stoudemire said beforehand. For me to get back out there and be the dynamic scorer that I am, alongside him, its a great one-two option.

The Knicks never saw the lethal combination Friday. In his first substantial interview since the injury, he admitted that when first diagnosed with a bulging
disc his second major back injury in 11 months he thought his season was in jeopardy.

I was definitely worried, he said. I was very concerned. It was a little nerve-wracking because I didnt know what to expect. But its great to be back on the basketball court and to get ready for the playoffs.