Knicks' Amare Stoudemire Returns Saturday In Indiana, First Game Since Surgery
![Amare Stoudemire](https://d.medicaldaily.com/en/full/227612/amare-stoudemire.jpg?w=658&f=2645892e99253d73aabf65a2ea7619e9)
Amar'e Stoudemire is set to play between 10 and 15 minutes in the Knicks playoff game against the Pacers in Indiana Saturday night — the star power forward's first game since his knee surgery in March.
Stoudemire had arthroscopic debridement surgery, which involves removing any debris, damaged cartilage, or damaged bone from around an affected joint — in his case, his knee. He hasn't played since March 7, but has been a positive presence, cheering the team on from the bench and participating in team practices while recovering from the surgery.
Knicks coach Mike Woodson is confident, but cautious about allowing Stoudemire to play in Game 3 of the Knicks' series against the Pacers. "We've got to be really cautious this time I think with him and just make sure we're doing the right things with him," said Woodson.
Stoudemire expressed his gratitude about playing any minutes at all as the Knicks push forward in their effort toward winning an NBA title. "It means everything to really be able to contribute and contend for a title," he said. "I mean, obviously we have a lot more to go — we have a game to win in Indiana — but to be able to contribute to it, it would be awesome."