Amar'e Stoudemire says that he was never taught defense.

Stoudemire says defense is more a priority now for him than ever before in his career.

"When trying to win ball games, defense is what does it," Stoudemire said. "Getting stops, getting rebounds ... it's imperative for me to bring that defensive intensity."

Stoudemire doesn't argue that his reputation as a poor defensive player was well deserved in Phoenix and seemed to suggest that former Suns and current Knicks coach Mike D'Antoni was indirectly responsible.

"It was fair," Stoudemire said. "I was never taught defense. I just never was taught it in high school and also in the NBA."