After sitting out Game 1 for ABC, MSG Network will resume its Knicks telecasts with Game 2 tomorrow — which means Kevin Garnett better watch his mouth.
MSG Network recently has restarted using its court-side microphones to pick up the players’ oncourt utterances, and it’s been a boon for the viewer late this season.
It all came about after the infamous Jan. 7 contest between the Celtics and Knicks when Garnett and Carmelo Anthony had their trash-talking battle in the fourth quarter.
It led to a one-game suspension for Anthony when he confronted Garnett after the game in the tunnel and later by the team bus. Garnett allegedly made a crude remark about La La Vasquez, Anthony’s wife, comparing her to cereal.
The next few games, owner James Dolan had two MSG Network employees hold very visible parabolic microphones to pick up audio. The Post reported the decision to employ the microphones was made to protect the combustible Anthony from another “he said-he said’’ dispute by having an audio record.
While Dolan ditched the visible parabolic mikes, others high-tech court-side mikes have been used during MSG telecasts to pick up the players and coaches after NBA commissioner David Stern praised the stunt as potentially bringing fans closer to the game.
For instance, during the April 9 telecast, when Kenyon Martin fell in a heap, he could be heard pounding the floor with his hand and saying clearly to the trainer: “It’s my ankle.’’
On the MSG Network post-game show and website, a montage called “Sounds of the Game’’ is shown of players and coaches yapping.