The last time the Celtics and Knicks met, it was Kevin Garnett who may have needed some personal protection from Carmelo Anthony. This time, the New York star is ensuring his own safety.
Anthony will bring his own bodyguard with him for Thursday’s matchup at the TD Garden, according to the New York Daily News. The reasoning Anthony’s employing the extra security detail is not because he’s worried about running into Garnett in the building, but rather being concerned about overzealous Boston sports fans.
“That’s basically what we’re going to get,” said teammate Raymond Felton. “We know it’s going to be hostile. There’s going to be a lot of crazy things thrown at us. … Not objects but words.”
Earlier this month at Madison Square Garden, Anthony waited for Garnett by the Celtics’ team bus, reportedly perturbed at something Garnett said during his trash talk in Boston’s 102-96 victory. Although Anthony claimed he just wanted to talk to the Celtics’ forward, he was nonetheless fined by the NBA and suspended one game for his actions, which he says he’ll appeal.
Some reports indicated that Garnett made lewd comments about Anthony’s wife, La La. However, Celtics coach Doc Rivers vehemently denied those claims, saying that Garnett knows where the line on trash talking is.
