New Jersey Nets forward Josh Boone (left) loses the rebound to Detroit Pistons forward Jason Maxiell in the first quarter of their NBA game in East Rutherford, New Jersey, Saturday. - REUTERS
NEW YORK (Reuters)
NBA scoring leader Carmelo Anthony and nine other players were ejected after an ugly incident marred the end of the Denver Nuggets' 123-100 victory over the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden on Saturday.
All five players on the floor for both teams were tossed from the game after a fight started following a flagrant foul by New York's Mardy Collins on Denver's J.R. Smith.
Smith, who had just pulled off what the Knicks felt was a show-boat dunk, which may well have led to Collins pulling him down hard, jumped up from the foul and confronted Collins verbally.
New York's Nate Robinson stepped in and was shoved from behind by Anthony Robinson and Smith then fell into the crowd, scrapping.
Things seemed to be settling down when Anthony connected with a right-hand punch to Collins' face. New York's Jared Jeffries chased Anthony to the other end of the court, but was held back from the Denver player.
No comments
The NBA office, which is located near Madison Square Garden, refused to comment, saying the incident was under review. Fines and suspensions are sure to follow with the league still sensitive following an incident between the Indiana Pacers and Detroit Pistons in 2004.
"I feel bad for the league, I feel bad for the Denver Nuggets and the New York Knicks," Denver coach George Karl told reporters. "Very poor display of respecting basketball and respecting the game in the best place in the world to play basketball."
Knicks coach Isiah Thomas said: "Clearly this isn't the way we or the NBA wants to be perceived."
Thomas met with Anthony at center court and said later he told the player he and other Denver starters should not have even been in the game with the Nuggets ahead by 19 in the last two minutes.
Smith appeared to have a red mark along the left side of his cheek and was yelling as he was escorted back to the locker room.
FRANCHISE RECORD
Meanwhile the Phoenix Suns matched their franchise record with a 14th straight victory, a 105-98 decision over the Kings in Sacramento.
The Suns, who try to set a new team mark tomorrow at home to Toronto, also won 14 games in a row in December 1992 on the way to their last trip to the NBA finals.
Amare Stoudemire had 20 points and nine rebounds, Leandro Barbosa 18 points, Steve Nash 16 points and 12 assists and Raja Bell 15 points, all in the second half, as Phoenix overcame a slow start.
Sacramento scoring leader Kevin Martin (23 points) left the game with 4:25 remaining in the third quarter with a sprained ankle. He is doubtful for today's game against Dallas.
Paul Pierce scored 35 points and had 11 rebounds and four assists as the Celtics won their fifth straight, 106-100 over the Bobcats in Charlotte. The win lifted Boston into first place in the Atlantic Division despite just a 10-13 record.
In San Antonio, the Philadelphia 76ers lost their 11th straight as Manu Ginobli hit eight of his 17 points late in the Spurs' 103-98 victory.
At Orlando, the Magic trailed by 13 early but then rode 21 points by Grant Hill and 14 points, 16 rebounds and five blocked shots by Dwight Howard to an 81-74 victory over Cleveland. LeBron James had 29 points to lead the Cavaliers and all scorers.
