Miami Heat

Amar'e Stoudemire claims Knicks were jealous of 'Linsanity'

Published Feb. 29, 2016 11:59 a.m. ET

Nick Schwartz

Miami Heat forward Amar'e Stoudemire returned to Madison Square Garden Saturday for the first time since he was released from the team and scored eight points in a 98-81 victory.

Far more notable than Stoudemire's performance were his comments before tipoff. Stoudemire, who has been critical of the Knicks for breaking up the team that went 54-28 in 2013, seemed to take shots at Carmelo Anthony for failing elevate the team. Since the Knicks won the Atlantic Divison that year, the team has gone a combined 79-146 and is on pace to miss the playoffs for a third consecutive season.

Via ESPN's Ohm Youngmisuk:

Stoudemire also opened up on Linsanity, and said while Jeremy Lin was becoming a global superstar in 2012 there were members of the team who were jealous of Lin's success.

Anthony was informed of Stoudemire's comments after the game and said he "doubts" Stoudemire was referring to him.

Melo on Lin jealousy: "S---, if that was the case then I’d be upset with KP.... I doubt if he's talking about me.”
https://t.co/aIouY5DrsM
— Ohm Youngmisuk (@NotoriousOHM) February 29, 2016