In his return to Madison Square Garden, Carmelo Anthony received a pair of loud cheers (along with a smattering of boos) during pregame introductions, before and at the end of a video tribute.
But the boos became more noticeable once play got underway, and soon they were coming every time he touched the ball.
“That was expected,” Anthony said. “They can’t cheer for me, I’m on another team.”
Anthony scored 12 points in the first half but was held scoreless in the second half as the Knicks beat the Thunder 111-96.
After the game Anthony caught up with several former coaches and teammates.
Carmelo catches up with his former @nyknicks post game! #ThisIsWhyWePlay pic.twitter.com/hb7uzEmj6x
— NBA (@NBA) December 17, 2017
“It’s a bittersweet feeling for me, coming back here knowing the goal that I had and what I wanted to accomplish here and falling short in that category,” Anthony said.
Anthony spent 6 1/2 seasons in New York, averaging 24.7 points, 7.0 rebounds and 3.2 assists. He led the Knicks to the playoffs three times.
