Here are a few observations from the first half of Knicks-Heat:

THE AMARE EFFECT: Amare Stoudemire stared in Game 4, six days after suffering a severe laceration to his left hand.

And he was pretty effective.

In ten minutes, he has six points and four rebounds. He's shown some lift, dunking with his right (non-injured hand). But he's also picked up three fouls.

There was some speculation as to how Stoudemire would be received by the home crowd.

For the record, he was mostly cheered in the moments leading up to his introduction and then was cheered mildly after his name was called.

KNICKS' BENCH NON-EXISTENT: Many thought the Knicks would have an advantage off the bench against Miami. Hasn't happened.

They have a whopping six bench points in the first half.

J.R. Smith is 1-for-7. Steve Novak hasn't attempted a shot in seven minutes as Miami continues to face guard him.

The Heat, on the other hand, have only two points off the bench. Mike Miller is 0-for-4.

UGLY BASKETBALL: The teams have combined for 30 fouls in the opening 24 minutes. The Knicks have shot 16 free throws and the Heat 19. The Heat are 0-for-8 from beyond the arc. The Knicks are 0-for-9.

TYSON'S TECH: Tyson Chandler was whistled for a tech in the second quarter after arguing with Chris Bosh. He has three fouls, as does J.R. Smith.

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