The Garden and the New York fans still love Carmelo Anthony.
The former Knicks superstar returned to MSG with son Kiyan for Game 2 of the team’s Eastern Conference playoff series with the Heat on Tuesday night.
He received a loud ovation when he was shown on the video board and labeled a “Knicks” legend.
Anthony, 38, first waved to the crowd and then stood up and opened his arms to them, thanking them for the love – patting his chest as he returned to his seat.
He was later shown on the TNT broadcast absolutely loving Jalen Brunson’s late fourth-quarter trey in the Knicks’ 111-105 win over the Heat.
The Anthonys were sitting front row next to comedian Mike Myers and his son Spike.
The NBA’s official account tweeted a video of Anthony being greeted by some familiar faces courtside prior the game — including Knicks superfan Spike Lee.
He also was photographed with Kentucky coach John Calipari.
After the win, Knicks stars Jalen Brunson, Josh Hart, Julius Randle and Immanuel Quickley all sought out Anthony for greeting and a hug.
Anthony last played at The Garden in November 2021 for the Lakers and was their for a Big East Tournament game in March and Knicks-76ers in December.
Anthony, who played six-plus seasons in New York from 2010-17, last appeared in an NBA game for the Lakers last April.
He didn’t not link up with a team this year after 21 seasons in the league.
He averaged 24.7 points, seven rebounds and 2.3 assists with the Knicks while making the All-Star team each season.
Anthony led the Knicks to the playoffs three times, including their last playoff series win prior to this season in 2012-13.
The Knicks won 54 games that season.
Kiyan Anthony’s hoops career is just getting started.
The highly regarded recruit played two-plus season at Christ the King before transferring to Long Island Lutheran late in his sophomore season.
