The suspension will be served tonight against the Indiana Pacers at the Bankers Life Fieldhouse.
Anthony defended his actions after Monday night's loss — when he confronted Garnett in the parking garage by the Celtics' team bus — by claiming his foe crossed the line with his trash talk and he just wanted to clear the air. Video showed that the two players almost came to blows and had to be separated by Madison Square Garden security guards. The Knicks star didn't think he should be suspended.
NBA disciplinarian, Stu Jackson, saw things differently and benched Anthony one game. He will be docked 1/110th of his $19.5 million salary — which boils down to $176,000.
Anthony flew to Indianapolis with the team because the NBA's ruling wasn't announced until late Wednesday. He will not be permitted inside the arena tonight.
"There are no circumstances in which it is acceptable for a player to confront and opponent after a game," said Jackson. "Carmelo Anthony attempted to engage with Kevin Garnett multiple times after Monday's game and therefore a suspension was warranted."
Anthony would not go into details about what was said during or after the game but an Anthony confidant said the Knicks player had "a very good reason" to go after Garnett.
"That's over with, "said Anthony. "As far as what happened with me and Kevin, that's settled, done and over with. I don't want to keep talking about the same thing and beating a dead horse, no disrespect."
Last night, Garnett walked out his postgame interview against the Suns after the Celtics forward was asked about the confrontation. He was not disciplined.
The next meeting Jan. 24 in Boston should be magically delicious.
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