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The Honolulu Advertiser
Posted at 11:14 p.m., Sunday, February 15, 2009

NBA: Stoudemire shines in what might be last game as Sun

By BOB BAUM
AP Sports Writer

PHOENIX— Amare Stoudemire shone on his home court in what might be his last game as a Sun.

The Phoenix power forward, being shopped around the NBA in advance of Thursday's trade deadline, scored 19 points on 7-for-10 shooting in 24 minutes for the West in his team's 146-119 All-Star victory over the East Sunday night.

Kobe Bryant and Shaquille O'Neal grabbed the attention. Stoudemire was more than solid in a supporting role in a contest that features lots of offense and precious little defense — precisely what critics have said about his game.

He was cheered loudly by the crowd when he was announced as a starter for the West. A couple of turnovers marred his first few minutes, but he picked it up after that.

When Stoudemire entered the game with 5:18 left in the second quarter, he quickly made a layup that put his team up 58-56. With 1:53 remaining in the half, he took a pass from Brandon Roy for a fastbreak dunk, then added a pair of free throws with 1:06 to play.

Coach Phil Jackson put Stoudemire back on the court for the final 2› minutes of the game. He got another layup, then got a double-pump fastbreak dunk with 40.1 seconds to go.

It was a fitting end to his strong night.

Suns fans may never get to see him do that again in a Phoenix uniform.

Stoudemire has a year left on his contract and the cost-conscious Suns were unlikely to pay him the amount he will command for a new deal.

He is just 26 years old, and he wondered on Friday why he has lost his status as foundation of a franchise.

But, he said then, "If my last home game is as an All-Star starter here, that would be a great way to go out."