UpdatedMar 7, 2012 4:15 PM ET
Amar'e Stoudemire began a weight-loss program 10 days ago in an attempt to shed 15 pounds, and the results were evident Tuesday night.
The Knicks forward told the New York Post he has already dropped about 10 pounds in 10 days, getting down to 250 pounds from 260. Stoudemire said the goal is to get to 245 pounds.
He looked quicker and more explosive Tuesday, racking up 26 points and seven rebounds and hitting 10 of 18 shots. Stoudemire was the lone starter to play with the second unit that staged a fourth-quarter comeback in the 95-85 loss to the Mavericks.
Stoudemire came to camp bulked up and appeared slower to the rim, prompting the medical staff to decide on implementing a weight-loss program.
"Sometimes you have to understand what it takes to get better," Stoudemire said. "I had an offseason where I picked up a lot of muscle. Ten pounds of muscle. Now I'm going to get back to my normal self of attacking the rim."
Stoudemire blamed a back injury suffered during last spring's playoff loss to Boston and the ensuing six months of rehab for putting him out of rhythm.
He credited his high metabolism with helping him drop the weight quickly, adding, "I changed eating habits and am doing wind sprints after practice."
The 29-year-old is averaging 17 points per game this season, down more than six from last year, and he failed to make the All-Star team for the first time since 2006 when he was injured.
