Bill Walker said perhaps if it weren’t Christmas yesterday, there would be a score to settle with Kevin Garnett and indicated the Celtics forward is known for his dirty antics.

Walker, an ex-Celtic, got into a heated scrap with Garnett after the final buzzer of the Knicks’ 106-104 victory at the Garden and both players had to be restrained by their teammates for 30 seconds. Walker appeared furious as he tried to break free to go after Garnett.

It started when Walker contested Garnett’s missed 14-footer at the buzzer. Garnett then became physical, according to Walker. The Knicks reserve swingman claimed he did not make a comment to Garnett to incite the emotional big man.

“I went to contest his shot,’’ Walker said. “I guess he got mad I contested his shot. He grabbed my hand, tangled it up. I pulled my hand away, and then we had a situation.’’

Walker said Garnett also pushed him.

“I’m a grown-up,’’ said Walker, who played 14 minutes after missing both preseason games with a groin injury. “You put your hands on my face, what part of the game is that? You know what the man does.’’

Walker had a bad experience during his injury-plagued two seasons in Boston after the Celtics acquired the second-round pick on draft day in 2008. He declined to discuss his relationship with Garnett from their days as teammates, but the jabbering between the two men lasted long enough to deduce there is a history.

“Would you want me to put my hands on your face and push you away?’’ Walker said. “I’m a man at the end of the day. It’s disrespectful. You should not do that to any man.’’

Asked if he would seek Garnett out later, Walker said, “There’s a time and a place for everything. Today is not the place. I don’t look for problems like that. It’s Christmas.’’

Garnett, when asked about the tiff, said, “Next question.’’