Anthony ejected for flagrant foul as Knicks fall to Hawks

[December 29, 2016]    (Reuters) - New York Knicks forward Carmelo Anthony was ejected for a flagrant foul during the game against the Atlanta Hawks on Wednesday as tempers flared again in the National Basketball Association.

Knicks forward Carmelo Anthony (7) looks to shoot while guarded by Atlanta Hawks guard Malcolm Delaney (5) during the first half at Philips Arena. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports

The nine-times All-Star was given his marching orders in the second quarter for hitting Atlanta's Thabo Sefolosha in the head with his right hand as they jostled anticipating a rebound.

Anthony did not speak to the media afterwards, but Sefolosha pulled no metaphorical punches.

"He punched me," the Swiss said, according to ESPN. "That was a fist right to my face."

The Hawks beat the Knicks 102-98 in overtime.

It was the second ejection this season for Anthony, the previous coming against the Boston Celtics on Nov. 11.

Anthony's ejection came after a spiteful game on Tuesday between Houston and Dallas finished with eight flagrant fouls called.

(Reporting by Andrew Both in Cary, North Carolina; Editing by Greg Stutchbury)

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