NEW YORK -- Latrell Sprewell and P.J. Carlesimo shook hands and said their feud was over.

The two men exchanged Christmas greetings on Tuesday at Madison Square Garden, where Sprewell now plays for the New York Knicks and Carlesimo was broadcasting the game for NBC.

Four years ago, Sprewell choked Carlesimo, then his coach at Golden State, and was suspended for 68 games and lost about $6 million in salary. The two had not spoken since.

After the Knicks' 102-94 victory over Toronto, Sprewell greeted Carlesimo and play-by-play announcer Mike Breen, saying , "Merry Christmas," to both. Carlesimo acknowledged the greeting as he and Sprewell shook hands.

"It's Christmas time, a special time of the year," Sprewell said. "I'm not such a person where I just can't let bygones be bygones. I think I've reached the point where I've really put that behind me and it's over with. It's been a long time. I really don't care about that situation anymore. it's really in the past."

Carlesimo said he "felt there was closure long ago. But no doubt, this was a nice gesture."