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As the end of his wait to return to action for the first time in more than two months approached Saturday, Knicks forward Amar'e Stoudemire was like a kid on Christmas morning. And Carmelo Anthony was as amused as any parent enduring a child's irrepressible burst of energy. "He was up early this morning in shootaround," Anthony said. "He was dunking in shootaround. I'm like, 'Stat, it's May. Nobody is dunking in shootaround.' You can just see the excitement, man, and his love for wanting to be back out there on a basketball court." Newsday

New York Knicks, Amare Stoudemire, Carmelo Anthony, Injuries 

Stoudemire downplayed his potential contribution. His focus was squarely on the condition of his knee. "I can't expect too much," Stoudemire said. "I always have high standards and high goals, but at the same time, you don't want to overthink it. The small things add up, and that's what I'm keying on." Newsday

New York Knicks, Amare Stoudemire, Injuries 

Tina Cervasio: Amar'e ready to play.Says he's "ecstatic" Knee feels good, like return from left knee surgery. Woodson says docs have 10-12 min max! #Knicks Twitter @TinaCervasio

New York Knicks, Amare Stoudemire, Injuries 

Brian Mahoney: Woodson is adamant that if Amare is in uniform, he's playing. Says he's not going to just leave him on the bench. Twitter @briancmahoney

New York Knicks, Amare Stoudemire, Mike Woodson, Injuries 

Amar'e Stoudemire is ready for his second comeback of the season. Are his teammates ready for him? "We can really use him right now," Tyson Chandler said. Stoudemire's presence alone gives the Knicks more size against the Pacers big front line, which is what Chandler sees as a positive. And he won't take minutes away from Chandler or Kenyon Martin, especially since it is likely he will play only 10 to 15 minutes "if that", according to Mike Woodson. Sulia

New York Knicks, Amare Stoudemire, Injuries 

Before the scrimmage was over, Stoudemire had tested most of his offensive moves, especially his fade-away jump shot from 12 to 15 feet. If all goes well during his recovery day today, Stoudemire should see his first action of the playoffs tomorrow. “I expect to play at a high level,” he proclaimed. A quality 10 to 15 minutes would be welcomed. New York Post

New York Knicks, Amare Stoudemire, Injuries 

Jonah Ballow: .@Amare Stoudemire running up & down the floor during team drills at #Knicks practice at the moment. Twitter @jonahballow

New York Knicks, Phoenix Suns, Amare Stoudemire 

Tommy Beer: Woodson, on ESPN radio, reiterates Amar'e is possible for Game 3. And that if STAT is ready and dresses, he will play. Twitter @TommyBeer

New York Knicks, Amare Stoudemire, Injuries 

Amar’e Stoudemire admittedly was rusty Monday in his first scrimmage since undergoing right-knee debridement surgery in early March. Mike Woodson said Stoudemire will participate in another 3-on-3 scrimmage Wednesday in Greenburgh and a full-court 5-on-5 scrimmage Friday before it will be determined if he is ready to rejoin the lineup Saturday in Indiana. “As expected, (he was) winded and not in great shape,” Woodson said. “The fact that he’s taken some body blows now a little bit and being able to cut and move, and then run up and down the court, that’s a step.” New York Daily News

New York Knicks, Amare Stoudemire, Mike Woodson, Injuries 

Nate Taylor: Mike Woodson said he plans to have Amar'e Stoudemire go through a full-court scrimmage with the team Friday in preparation for Game 3. Twitter @ByNateTaylor

New York Knicks, Amare Stoudemire, Injuries 

Jared Zwerling: Woodson on Amar'e: "As expected, winded and not in great shape." More scrimmaging to come this week; decision to come Saturday ... #Knicks Twitter @JaredZwerling

New York Knicks, Amare Stoudemire, Injuries 

Amar'e Stoudemire moved closer to returning this postseason and giving the Knicks another big body they might need against the Pacers. Stoudemire played full-court three-on-three Monday, marking the first time he's had contact since his right knee was scoped March 11. As expected, he looked rusty and winded and called it "a tough day," but he moved well. Stoudemire won't play in Game 2 Tuesday night, but if there are no setbacks, he remains on target to return for Game 3 Saturday in Indianapolis. "I have no pain running, jumping, cutting, slashing," Stoudemire said. "I felt explosive. The only thing now is getting my wind back up and seeing how it feels [Tuesday]." Newsday

New York Knicks, Amare Stoudemire, Injuries 

We have a new frontrunner for the best fan-made tribute song of the NBA Playoffs, although this one is certainly the most mean-spirited. These fans, who go by “Eric’s World” and “TUGE,” use “Thank God” to basically state that they want Amar’e Stoudemire to sit out the rest of the playoffs because the Knicks play better without him. The production is actually surprisingly good, and this song is listenable even in spite of the message (note: this song contains some NSFW language). In their defense, they’re probably right about his on-court value at this point. Still, ouch. For The Win

New York Knicks, Amare Stoudemire 

Howard Beck: Amare still trying to regain conditioning, but says he expects to be available for Game 3, barring any setbacks this week. Twitter @HowardBeckNYT

New York Knicks, Amare Stoudemire, Injuries 

Howard Beck: Best quote from Amare, on possible return after 2-month layoff: "There’s no fear. Fear is False Evidence Appearing Real." #acronymsarecool Twitter @HowardBeckNYT

New York Knicks, Amare Stoudemire, Injuries 

Woodson said Stoudemire will scrimmage with his teammates on Thursday. If his knee responds well, he will scrimmage again on Friday. "If he feels fine after Friday then I think we will play him Saturday," Woodson said. ESPN.com

New York Knicks, Amare Stoudemire, Injuries 

Steve Popper: Amare out for games 1 & 2 but looking at game 3. Twitter @StevePopper

New York Knicks, Amare Stoudemire, Injuries 

As the Knicks move on to the second round tomorrow, it will be without Steve Novak and Amar’e Stoudemire. Novak is out indefinitely with back spasms as he missed last night’s series clincher after sitting out the second half of Game 5. Mike Woodson wasn’t even sure Novak will be back by Tuesday’s Game 2. The Stoudemire issue is in flux. Woodson had said Stoudemire would be back for the second round but because the Celtics series was extended to six games, Stoudemire was unable to start scrimmaging. When asked if Stoudemire would suit up tomorrow, Woodson said no. “He’s not at that stage yet,’’ the coach said. New York Post

New York Knicks, Amare Stoudemire, Injuries, Steve Novak 

Gary Dzen: Steve Novak is out tonight. Mike Woodson on Amar'e Stoudemire possibly playing: "I don't think he's at that stage yet." Twitter @GlobeGaryDzen

New York Knicks, Amare Stoudemire, Mike Woodson, Injuries, Steve Novak 

Marc Berman: Steve Novak's back spasms has not subsided and is doubtful tomorrow. However, #Knicks didn't scrimmage so nothing new on Stoudemire. Twitter @NYPost_Berman

New York Knicks, Amare Stoudemire, Injuries, Steve Novak