By Melanie Evans Rivera

After another devastating loss that leaves the New York Knicks on the brink of elimination, the team has to come together as they head back to Madison Square Garden to defend home court. Something the Knicks can build on is the return of Amar’e Stoudemire. In just his second game back he has continued to show that he is willing to do whatever he can to keep the Orange and Blue’s playoff hopes alive.

On the night in Indiana, Stoudemire recorded 11 minutes on the court, his time slightly shortened because of early foul trouble. However, in those very limited minutes he recorded four points, and perhaps more importantly, four rebounds. With the Pacers out rebounding the Knicks once again, this time by 54-36, every time the team can salvage an extra chance off the glass is a plus. It’s no easy task to grab rebounds over the Pacer bigs but Amar’e proved to be up to the challenge.

The Knicks, who Stoudemire admitted after the game have to find a way to pick up their pace offensively, will now have to play on Thursday with their backs against the wall. Changes will no doubt be made and the fact that Stoudemire is available off the bench will be key. As another great New York sports hero, Yogi Berra, once famously said ‘it ain’t over ’til it’s over’, this is something the New York Knicks – and their fans – can keep in mind going into Thursday night’s game.