Knicks Practice As Expected Despite Terror Threats
PARIS (AP) — The New York Knicks have practiced as scheduled ahead of the second match of their European Preseason Tour, with star player Amar'e Stoudemire promising to have fun in Paris despite warnings of a possible terrorist attack in Europe.
Stoudemire scored 32 points in his first game with New York on Sunday as the Knicks beat Olimpia Milano 125-113 in an exhibition match. They next play the Minnesota Timberwolves in Paris on Wednesday.
"We know where to go and the places to visit and again, you have to cherish the moment because it's not often you get a chance to play an NBA game in Paris," said Stoudemire, who joined the Knicks from the Phoenix Suns this summer. "So we got to make sure we enjoy it and have fun."
The U.S. government issued a travel alert Sunday warning Americans of potential terrorist threats in Europe and urging them to be vigilant in public places, including tourist spots and transportation hubs.
The NBA has promised to take "all appropriate security measures" for the teams taking part in the European tour and Knicks coach Mike d'Antoni said his players didn't receive any particular do's and don'ts while in Paris.
"Nothing out of the ordinary. It's all good procedures, standard procedures and they'll follow them and we are just going to do what's right," D'Antoni said.
The Los Angeles Lakers are also taking part in the tour and are scheduled to play against the Timberwolves later Monday in London. The Lakers will then take on Barcelona in Spain on Thursday.
Copyright 2010 The Associated Press.
