The one-on-one battle between Celtics forward Kevin Garnett and Knicks forward Carmelo Anthony was the underlying theme throughout Monday's game at Madison Square Garden, and at one point they had to be separated by referee Tony Brothers.

Kevin Garnett blocked a shot by Carmelo Anthony. After the game, Anthony waited for Garnett near the Celtics' team bus, but there was no confrontation.

Both Kevin Garnett (left) and Carmelo Anthony received technical fouls after one exchange during the heated game.

Amare Stoudemire (left) and the Knicks took on Jared Sullinger and the Celtics for the first time this season. The Celtics held the Knicks to 16 points in the third quarter to help them gain their third straight victory.

Paul Pierce scored 23 points to lead the Celtics over Ronnie Brewer and the Knicks on Monday at Madison Square Garden in New York. It was the Celtics' third straight win and evened their record at 17-17.

Celtics guard Avery Bradley drove past the Knicks' Carmelo Anthony during the first half at Madison Square Garden in New York. Bradley had 13 points and five assists.

Jared Sullinger was fouled by Steve Novak as he elevated for a shot in the first quarter. Sullinger had 10 points and five rebounds.

Celtics' forward Kevin Garnett (left) and the Knicks' Chris Copeland fought for the ball during the first half. Garnett had 19 points and 10 rebounds.

New York Rangers goalie Henrik Lundqvist chatted with film director and Knicks fan Spike Lee before the game.

Knicks forward Steve Novakdenied Celtics forward Jeff Green on a first-half play. The Celtics handed the Knicks just their fourth loss at home this season.

Knicks center Tyson Chandler (right) threw down two points over Celtics forwards Jared Sullinger (7), Jeff Green (8) and Brandon Bass (30) in the first quarter. Chandler had 13 pointsnand 17 rebounds.

Guard Courtney Lee (right) had five points and three steals for the Celtics.

Celtics forward Jeff Green (8) fouled Knicks forward Amar'e Stoudemire (1) in the first quarter.