"There were terror warnings, homecomings and even a photo-op with none other than Giorgio Armani. The Knicks' first game on European soil in nearly 20 years seemed to have it all - but nothing, not even Danilo Gallinari, could upstage the most important Knick acquisition since Latrell Sprewell. And if Amar'e Stoudemire plays like this when the games count, the Knicks might finally break their postseason drought. Stoudemire, the Knicks' $100 million man, had an impressive debut, scoring 32 points in 28 minutes in the club's 125-113 preseason victory over Armani Jeans Milano Sunday. Sure, the competition doesn't exactly measure up to the Celtics, Heat and Magic, but Stoudemire treated his first game in a Knicks uniform as if it were a playoff game. "I really just wanted to dominate on both ends of the court," Stoudemire. "I really wanted to focus in on defense and that got me going offensively." The 6-9 power forward made 10 of 13 shots from the field and 11 of 13 free throws. He didn't play in the fourth quarter but by then the damage had been done. After a vicious dunk over a helpless Milano player, Stoudemire let out a primal scream. Later, he blocked a shot into the third row and yelled, "Get that (stuff) out of here." He gives the Knicks something they haven't had since Sprewell: attitude and game. "We're really young and there will be times when we will have to climb on his back," Mike D'Antoni said. "Those are broad shoulders. A lot of people can ride of them. He was terrific. He played a little bit more than what I thought he should. But I wasn't taking any chances. We'll rest him in Paris." The Knicks departed for France immediately after the game amid warnings from the U.S. State Department to Americans traveling aboard, especially to Paris and London, where the NBA is playing exhibition games this week. The Lakers and Timberwolves play in London tonight and on Wednesday the Knicks face Minnesota in Paris." Read more: http://www.nydailynews.com/sports/b...ver_armani_jeans_milano_125113_to_open_p.html
