MIAMIThe NBA has decided to not take any disciplinary action against Kevin Garnett for his scuffle with New York's Billy Walker at the end of the Celtics' 106-104 loss to the Knicks Sunday, which means the C's will have him available for Tuesday's game in Miami.
Trailing by two points with just a few ticks on the game clock, Garnett missed a jumper in which he was defended by Walker. The two exchanged words and Garnett put his hands around Walker's neck, but was unable to grip him as Walker was moving back in an effort to avoid the contact.
When asked about the incident after the loss, Garnett scoffed, "Next question."
Walker, however, did speak to reporters afterward.
"I went to contest his shot," Walker said. "I guess he got mad I contested his shot. He grabbed my hand, tangled it up.
Walker added, "I'm a grown-up. You put your hands on my face, what part of the game is that? You know what the man does . . . would you want me to put my hands on your face and push you away? I'm a man at the end of the day. It's disrespectful. You should not do that to any man."
Having Garnett available is a huge plus to a Celtics team that can't afford to have any more key players out of the lineup.
Boston Celtics
Paul Pierce (right heel) did not play in the Celtics' season opener, and he's questionable for Tuesday's game against the Heat. His replacement, Sasha Pavlovic, was scoreless against the Knicks. Marquis Daniels, who was also used to fill the void left by Pierce, had four points on 2-for-8 shooting to go with six rebounds and five assists.