Sports loyalty rarely reaches generational significance, yet when it does, it profoundly impacts fan bases. And if the playoffs are ongoing, then more so. Also, if you are Carmelo Anthony? Yeah, that loyalty’s atop everything. He once said of the New York Knicks, “Man, I think the sky is the limit for this team.” You see what we mean? And with the New York Knicks’ dominant postseason run energizing the city in a way that reminds it of its legendary basketball origins, Madison Square Garden is sitting pretty with a 2-1 lead over the Celtics, and the past and present of Knicks basketball are merging in significant ways. How so?

Carmelo Anthony, a player who wore the blue and orange of the New York Knicks like armor when he was at his best, is still deeply connected to the team’s identity for shaping his playing days. Be it attending the Knicks game or extending his support to the team on his 7 M in Brooklyn podcast during their tough time against certain teams. And the team has equally reciprocated the respect. After all, no player has donned that No. 7 jersey after the 40-year-old. But what happens when you try to test his love for the Knicks?

As by on Fanatics’ Instagram, while signing merchandise for a digital platform, Anthony was handed a Boston Celtics cap, which turned out to be an intentional prank meant to test the former All-Star’s loyalties. His response, which was both lighthearted and emphatic, set a clear boundary. “I can’t touch that,” he said, breaking out a chuckle. “Shoutout to my guys, though… but I can’t f— with y’all right now. Got s— to do.”

Fans erupted with praise online, seeing it as a dignified stand during a heated playoff rivalry. With Mikal Bridges and Jalen Brunson closing down back-to-back defensive victories, the Knicks had just taken a 2-1 series lead against the Celtics in the Eastern Conference Semifinals, making the timing almost poetic. However, with the recent victory, the Celtics have gained some momentum and will most likely try to push back in the coming game.

But what if we tell you that what Stephen Curry’s dad faced was somewhat similar to the former New York Knicks star? Let’s have a look.

Carmelo Anthony’s incident resurfacing invites past icons back into the spotlight

Something very different was happening in the world of basketball back in April. Dell Curry was in the middle of something. As he walked around Charlotte’s streets after calling a Hornets-Raptors game, two fans carrying a #30 shirt came up to him. Fans were hoping to get an autograph, but then came the awkward twist.

In a video posted on Instagram by Brian Encarnacao, the 60-year-old walked up to them with a polite smile and asked, “Tell the truth. What you doing with it?” However, within a matter of seconds, he shut them down, saying, “I don’t do jerseys,” and then he left. The incident quickly caused a debate, raising a small question: was it healthy self-control or pointless coldness? But then, this is not the first time this has happened.

During the Final Four festivities in San Antonio in April, things got a little heated between the Spurs legend Dave Robinson and a fan. Approaching the 7-foot star, the fan asked for an autograph, only to hear “not right now.” But it seemed like the fan was not having it with that response as they dropped the jersey at the former basketball player’s feet. And well, that was enough to send social media into a frenzy, wanting to know if Robinson was out of line or if the fan overreacted.

With that, Carmelo Anthony’s calm but open disapproval of a sign immediately brought to mind for fans how personal these conflicts can become and how deeply athletes, even in retirement, bear the badge of their city. The Knicks’ early domination in the series has revived nostalgia and welcomed back legends who never really departed the core of the franchise. There is no doubt about it: loyalty is a must in New York. However, a major question arises: Will the Celtics take revenge, or will New York continue to dominate?