BOSTON -- Kevin Garnett says he was coming to the aid of Celtics teammate Paul Pierce when he picked up two technical fouls.
Pierce fell near the Miami bench with 40 seconds left in Boston's 85-76 win over the Heat in Saturday night's playoff opener. Garnett said he was concerned that Pierce hurt his shoulder, a problem earlier this season, when Quentin Richardson hovered and started talking.
Garnett elbowed Richardson in the upper chest and a shoving match ensued involving players from both teams. Richardson and Udonis Haslem received technicals for Miami and Glen Davis got one for Boston. Garnett's two technicals resulted in an automatic ejection. He said he knows he might be suspended by the NBA.
Garnett said he needs to keep his composure but wanted to help his teammate.
