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Anthony ejected for flagrant foul as Knicks fall to Hawks

Dec 28, 2016; Atlanta, GA, USA; New York Knicks forward Carmelo Anthony (7) looks to shoot while guarded by Atlanta Hawks guard Malcolm Delaney (5) during the first half at Philips Arena. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports

(Reuters) - New York Knicks forward Carmelo Anthony was ejected for a flagrant foul during the game against the Atlanta Hawks on Wednesday as tempers flared again in the National Basketball Association. The nine-times All-Star was given his marching orders in the second quarter for hitting Atlanta's Thabo Sefolosha in the head with his right hand as they jostled anticipating a rebound. Anthony did not speak to the media afterwards, but Sefolosha pulled no metaphorical punches. "He punched me," the Swiss said, according to ESPN. "That was a fist right to my face." The Hawks beat the Knicks 102-98 in overtime. It was the second ejection this season for Anthony, the previous coming against the Boston Celtics on Nov. 11. Anthony's ejection came after a spiteful game on Tuesday between Houston and Dallas finished with eight flagrant fouls called. (Reporting by Andrew Both in Cary, North Carolina; Editing by Greg Stutchbury)