Angry Melo Seeks Out KG In Locker Room, Bus After Celtics Win Over Knicks
BOSTON (CBS) - Boston Celtics forward Kevin Garnett has a knack for getting under opposing players' skin.
The confrontations usually end on the court, but on Monday night, Knicks forward Carmelo Anthony wanted a few additional rounds against Garnett.
Following the Celtics 102-96 win at Madison Square Garden, Anthony reportedly sought out Garnett outside the Celtics locker room, and then again at the Celtics team bus.
The two players had been going at it all night, and were assessed double technical fouls in the fourth quarter following an exchange that involved some jostling, elbows and, more than likely, a few choice words not suitable for print.
It was a frustrating night for Anthony, who scored 20 points but shot just 6-for-26 from the field. Monday night was just the Knicks fourth loss at home this season, and Anthony apparently wanted Garnett to know his antics wouldn't be tolerated in New York.
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Anthony left the court, opting not to shake hands with the Celtics, and left through the tunnel the visiting teams used. He then reportedly approached the Celtics locker room and had to be restrained by teammates. After a short time, Anthony made his way to the Celtics team bus where another shouting match ensued, with police and security staying between players.
Comcast Sports New England posted a video of the exchange at the Celtics bus, with Knicks head coach Mike Woodson trying to calm his star player.
Garnett was reportedly surprised by all of this. He spoke of his and Anthony's battles in the locker room before all of the extra post-game antics went down.
"Heat of battle, guys go back and forth," said Garnett, who scored 19 points and pulled down 10 rebounds in Boston's third straight win. "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."
Celtics head coach Doc Rivers shrugged the in-game incident off, but doesn't like all the extra stuff after the game.
"The game just got heated. It's basketball," he said. "There's nothing wrong with getting heated. It happens. It's a fun game, it's competitive. It's rough at times and that's good. I think all that's good.
"It should never carry over past that. I had my moments as a player as well. It does happen but you don't want it to; and whenever it does, you feel terrible later," said Doc.
Anthony will likely hear from the league, and could face a fine and potential suspension.
The Celtics and Knicks next play each other on January 24 when the Knicks come to the TD Garden.
