New York Knicks $100-million man Amar'e Stoudemire is beginning to play like a star again, scoring 21 points on 8 for 10 shooting to lead his team to a 102-92 win over the Philadelphia 76ers. During the game, Stoudemire played like a youngster again, throwing down three monster dunks and reminding everyone how he used to play when he was with the Phoenix Suns.
"He's getting his power back and he's getting his confidence back," teammate Carmelo Anthony told ESPN.com. "I think when he plays like that and we start believing in him a little bit more, he's only going to get better."
In the past five games, Stoudemire is averaging 10 points in 23 minutes. In the past 49 minutes that he has seen action on the floor, he has scored 35 points which the Knicks hope is an indication that he is back to the Stoudemire of old.
"It's just coming together as a whole. I'm feeling great," Stoudemire said.
The Knicks are playing inspired ball to start the New Year, and Stoudemire has been one of the revelations. After undergoing a third knee procedure in a span of 10 months, the former All-Star was limited by the coaching staff to just 10 minutes per game. But he believes that he is starting to regain the form that made him one of the most feared frontcourt players in the league.
"He's had so many injuries over the past couple of years. That could mess you up mentally, and I think it bothered him for a long period of time mentally," Anthony said. "So now he's just starting to bounce back, get his confidence back and his legs and his game. We're supporting him."
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