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Anthony, who was angry about Garnett's choice of words during a fourth-quarter altercation, went toward the Celtics' locker room after the game and later waited for Garnett outside Boston's team bus.

Anthony said he did not believe he would be suspended because he was just looking to talk to Garnett, not fight. But Stu Jackson, the N.B.A.'s executive vice president of operations, ruled otherwise.

"There are no circumstances in which it is acceptable for a player to confront an opponent after a game," Jackson said in a statement. "Carmelo Anthony attempted to engage with Kevin Garnett multiple times after Monday's game, and therefore a suspension was warranted."

Anthony will miss the Knicks' nationally televised game at Indiana on Thursday and lose about $176,700 of his $19.4 million salary.

Garnett was not penalized.

Jackson said Anthony confronted Garnett "in the arena tunnel, near the players' locker rooms and in the parking garage." The incident by the bus, with New York police officers and Knicks Coach Mike Woodson nearby, was captured on video.

Anthony and Garnett received technical fouls with 9 minutes 3 seconds remaining in the Celtics' 102-96 victory, arguing with each other from the baseline to midcourt after a physical exchange on Boston's previous possession. After the game, Anthony went the wrong direction toward the Celtics' locker room in hopes of finding Garnett.

On Tuesday, Anthony said he was upset because of what Garnett said, though he would not elaborate on what it was.

"There's certain things that you just don't say to men, another man," Anthony said.

"It's over with for me," Anthony added. "Whatever happened last night happened. The words that was being said between me and Garnett, it happened, can't take that away. I lost my cool yesterday, I accept that, but there's just certain things that push certain people's buttons."

Anthony, who averaged 36 points per game last week while winning Eastern Conference player of the week honors, was clearly affected by Garnett, shooting just 6 of 26 from the field. He said he and Garnett eventually spoke and sorted out the matter.

Anthony will be eligible to return Friday at home against Chicago. He was ejected from the Knicks' last meeting with the Bulls after receiving two of his eight technical fouls this season.