Lost in the mix of the New York Knicks embarrassing 82-71 loss to the Indiana Pacers last night was the return of former All-Star power forward Amar’e Stoudemire.

Despite playing just under nine minutes last night, Knick fans should be encouraged by Stoudemire’s brief performance.

The box score will show that Stoudemire scored seven points and grabbed two rebounds while shooting 3-of-8 from the field. One of his shots was blocked, which is not surprising considering his general lack of explosiveness, being so fresh off a knee injury that cost him the past two months. But overall, in a tough atmosphere and battling rustiness, Amar’e showed good signs.

Before the game, coach Mike Woodson claimed that he believed Stoudemire could play “10-15 minutes,” and his 8:56 of court-time was just under the lower expectation. While a few more minutes likely would not have changed the final outcome of the game, expect him to play closer to 12-15 minutes in Game 4.

All night, Roy Hibbert had his way inside, going for 24 points and 12 rebounds. David West also chipped in with a double-double of his own, scoring 11 points while grabbing 12 boards. Overall, the Knicks were out-rebounded 53-40, including 18-10 on the offensive glass, a trend that cannot continue should the Knicks advance.

Read more at: Bleacherreport.com