NEW YORK -- In the wake of an incident between Carmelo Anthony and Kevin Garnett that resulted in Anthony's suspension, the Knicks recorded all in-game conversations between the forward and players around him Friday against the Bulls, a league source has confirmed.

Owner James Dolan ordered Madison Square Garden technicians to place two microphones on opposite ends of the court, a move league sources told ESPN The Magazine's Chris Broussard was put in place in order to protect Anthony.

The Knicks were trying to ascertain whether other players were going overboard in their trash-talking against Anthony, sources told Broussard.

It is not clear whether the recordings will continue, but sources tell Broussard that any move to paint them as Dolan "spying" on Anthony is "flat-out wrong."

Tim Frank, the NBA's senior vice president of basketball communications, said the league has no issue with the recordings.

"There are no prohibitions against having audio equipment in the arena," Frank said.

The Knicks declined to comment on the incident.

Bulls coach Tom Thibodeau said Tuesday he was not aware of the recordings.

"It's not that big of a deal because there are mics everywhere now," Thibodeau said. "They're in players' uniforms. That's where the game is. You can't allow that stuff to get you distracted."

Thibodeau was asked about secrets in the huddle being revealed.

"We're prepared for that," Thibodeau said.

The Newark Star Ledger first reported Dolan's order to record Anthony's on-court conversations, as well as those around him.