NBA legend Carmelo Anthony recently opened up about an intense post-game altercation with Kevin Garnett during an episode of 7PM in Brooklyn, a Wave Sports + Entertainment Original hosted by Anthony.
Alongside guest Iman Shumpert, Anthony revisited the infamous incident, shedding light on the fiery aftermath of their verbal exchange during a game.
Anthony shared that Garnett made a comment during the game that he considered deeply personal and out of bounds.
“He told me some bugged-out stuff. He told me some wild stuff that we don’t speak about. At that moment, he really crossed the line,” Anthony revealed.
Shumpert added context to the aftermath of the verbal clash, noting how Anthony’s focus shifted entirely to confronting Garnett. “You’ll see in the game where Melo doesn’t even process the ball no more and turned his whole attention to this man [KG],” Shumpert explained.
After the game, Anthony’s anger remained, leading him to storm toward the tunnel where Garnett and the Boston Celtics were. “He don’t wanna be calmed down. He don’t wanna be touched,” Shumpert recalled. “I’m on the side, adjusting my jacket like, this might go left.”
Anthony, determined to confront Garnett, waited in the tunnel despite the heavy presence of security. “I need to have a conversation [with KG],” Anthony told Shumpert, who admitted he followed to support his teammate. “I’m not finna let this man roll dolo,” Shumpert said.
Baron Davis joined Anthony and Shumpert, adding to the tension as they awaited Garnett. “BD said, ‘If you bombing, I’m bombing,’” Anthony revealed, underscoring the seriousness of the moment.
When Garnett eventually emerged, the situation escalated briefly before taking a humorous turn. Shumpert recounted, “KG like, ‘Melo! Over basketball, man?!?’ Yo, KG had me. I wanted to laugh so hard!” However, Anthony was far from amused, standing firm as he faced Garnett.
Shumpert praised Anthony’s composure during the altercation, but noted the intensity of the scene. “It’s like those green jackets, ushers, police officers, and security everywhere,” Shumpert said. “My boy [Melo] was mad. He lost no fire.”
Despite the mounting tension, the confrontation ended without any physical altercation. Shumpert later reflected on the incident with relief. “I’m glad nothing happened and we can look back and laugh about it now, but at the time, Melo didn’t laugh about this until it was weeks old,” he said.
Anthony, too, has since moved on but acknowledged the emotions of that night. “He [Garnett] really crossed the line, but I’m glad we didn’t let it go further,” Anthony concluded.
