Brawl mars Nuggets win over Knicks

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 dismissed from the game after a fight started following a 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's face. New York's Jared Jeffries chased Anthony to the other end of the court, but was held back from the Denver player.

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 bet-ween 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 proper way we or the NBA wants to be perceived."