Amar’e Stoudemire talks about the New York Knicks and Dallas Mavericks – NBA Update
New York Knicks super star Amar’e Stoudemire says he has faith in the ability of his side and believes that they can be a major force in the league, come next season. Stoudemire also revealed admiration for the current NBA Champions,
Dallas Mavericks.
Stoudemire joined the Knicks last season and has been a big success at the Big Apple. He averaged around 25 points during the season before getting injured later on. His side suffered after the injury and bowed out against the
Boston Celtics in the first round of playoffs.
Stoudemire however believes the team will be stronger next season and will have a serious shot at the NBA World Championship. He emphasized the importance of staying injury free, as he believed at their full strength the Knicks
could be a significant threat to any and all teams in the NBA.
“I feel good. It's a matter of us making sure we're healthy, and doing everything to stay healthy, and then having a great start to the year, whenever it does start, and take that momentum on to the postseason.” Amar’e told the
Huffington Post.
He was also asked during the interview to name the side to beat in the league next season, and Stoudemire thought it could be none other than the Dallas Mavericks.
“The Dallas Mavericks.” He said ”They're the world champs, and they're sitting on the throne right now, and they're the team to beat.”
The Mavs won the NBA finals last season against strong favourites, Miami Heat. Miami had a team full of super stars like LeBron James, Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh and were expected to overpower Dallas, but the Dirk Nowitzki had
other ideas.
The Mavericks roster, dismissed by many as too old, galvanized around the inspirational performances from their German 7-footer to win the Finals in six games. Nowitzki won the Finals MVP award for his efforts and many Mavs veterans
earned their first rings after years in the game.
Stoudemire believes that the experience on their side actually helped Dallas.
“A lot of times age can work to your advantage. Because of experience, they play so relaxed and so calm out there, and they know how to get it done.”
The Mavericks certainly proved their credentials. Nowitzki, over 30, was obviously phenomenal, but so were the other veterans on the team. Jason Kidd put in a star shift as point guard, completely controlling the flow of the games
in the Finals. Jason Terry was splendid as the Mavs second offensive option and drained some big shots while Shawn Marion showed he can still pull out all the stops when his team requires.
Modelling Mavs as an inspiration and a target at the same time can surely take Stoudemire and the Knicks to new heights.
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