A frustrated Amare Stoudemire punched glass casing surrounding a fire extinguisher minutes after the New York Knicks’ loss to the Miami Heat, according to a team source. The Knicks power forward suffered lacerations on his left hand which required stitches.
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.
Stoudemire hasn’t undergone any MRIs or X-rays and the team provided no further update on the extent of the injury.
He punched the glass casing after walking off of the court following the Knicks’ 104-94 loss to the Heat.
“He was just frustrated,” a league source with knowledge of the incident said.
Stoudemire’s frustration may have stemmed from his shot attempts — nine — in Monday’s game, according to the source. He scored 18 points and had seven rebounds.
Stoudemire addressed the incident via his Twitter account.
“I am so mad at myself right now,” Stoudemire wrote. “I want to apologize to the fans and my team, not proud of my actions. headed home for a new start.”
Knicks center Tyson Chandler said: “He’s probably going to be out. I don’t know how bad it is. … Your emotions run high. In a split second, a decision can alter things. You can’t fault anybody. We’ve got to deal with the repercussions.”
Carmelo Anthony did not want to address the incident after the game.
“I don’t know what happened,” Anthony said, adding, “I really don’t know where his situation is at. I don’t know.”
Stoudemire will travel back to New York with the team. The Knicks are not scheduled to practice tomorrow.
Knicks interim coach Mike Woodson would not elaborate on the incident.
“How severe it is I don’t know. I’m trying to learn more about it. That’s it. Let’s talk about the game,” Woodson said.
via ESPN
The Knicks trail the Heat 2-0 in the best-of-seven series.
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