Why Carmelo Anthony lost it during Monday’s Knicks-Celtics game

By Ray Monell

So that’s what set Carmelo Anthony off during the New York Knicks’ home game vs. the Boston Celtics on Monday night.

Anthony and Celtics power forward Kevin Garnett spent most of the second half of the Knicks-Celtics game earlier this week jawing at one another, and had to be separated multiple times by teammates. The Knicks’ leading scorer was clearly the angrier of the two, and he even went as far as seeking Garnett out following the game—which Boston won 102-96—as the Celtics were preparing to leave Madison Square Garden.

Anthony, 28, offered no specifics when asked about what Garnett, 36, said to anger him, telling reporters after Tuesday’s practice that the comment in question was “something you just don’t say to men, another man.” But various reports surfaced Wednesday alleging that Garnett, in reference to Anthony’s wife, La La Vaquez, said, “Your wife tastes like Honey Nut Cheerios.”



Anthony and Vazquez, 33, have reportedly been estranged and living separately for the past two months. They became engaged in 2004, had son Kiyan Carmelo Anthony three years later and got married in the summer of 2010.

Whether Garnett was merely trash-talking or hinting at a romantic encounter that he and Vazquez may have had, the remark—if it was in fact made—emphatically crossed the line.

Such a comment would definitely make sense out of why it took five police officers, Knicks coach Mike Woodson and MSG security to prevent an infuriated Anthony from getting to Garnett after Monday’s game.

By the way, if this Carmelo-drama intrigues you, you’ll be happy to know that it’s probably far from over. The Knicks and Celtics, both members of the NBA’s Atlantic Division, face off three more times this season, with their next game (or Anthony vs. Garnett II) taking place on Thursday, Jan. 24 at TD Garden in Boston.