The short-handed Boston Celtics eked out a tough win in New York last night, taking down the Knicks 102-96 in an emotional affair.
Kevin Garnett and Carmelo Anthony jawed at one another repeatedly throughout the matchup, each earning a technical foul in the process.
The tension remained high after the game, as Anthony attempted to confront KG in the locker room and near the C’s team bus. With police officers, security personnel and Knicks head coach Mike Woodson intervening, eventually, cooler heads would prevail.
From CSNNE:
Celtics coach Doc Rivers had little to say when asked about Anthony approaching his team’s locker room after the Celtics win which extended Boston’s winning streak to three in a row. “I’m going to let y’all figure that one out. I’m going to stay out of that. If it was the playoffs I’d tell on him,” quipped Rivers. “But since it’s not I’m just going to be quiet.”
Garnett chalked it up to just a couple of players trying to do what they can to help their respective teams be successful in a tightly contested game. “Heat of battle, guys go back and fourth,” Garnett said. “He’s trying to get his team to go, I’m trying to get my team to go. Both teams are colliding; not to mention it’s the Knicks and the Celtics. That’s just what it is.”
Carmelo Anthony had himself a horrific night, shooting 6 of 26 from the field, and clearly got taken out of his game by Kevin Garnett’s words and antics. To make matters worse, he will likely face punishment from the NBA for escalating things after the final whistle.
