Brooklyn Nets vs Houston Rockets: Kevin Garnett Out After Headbutt With Dwight Howard [Watch Video Here]

By Nens Bolilan| Jan 13, 2015

The Brooklyn Nets lost to Houston Rockets during Monday night's game, 113-99. Aside from the loss, it was Kevin Garnett's clash with Dwight Howard during the first quarter of the match which also made headlines. 

ESPN said in a report that with 7:53 remaining in the first quarter, the two players got tangled as Howards was trying to catch a pass then came the foul. This prompted Garnett to push Howard and the latter pushed back. Garnett then threw the ball at Howard's face then head-butted him before giving him a push.

Howard then threw a slap at Garnett's neck before they got separated by other players and some security personnels. 

It was noted by ESPN that after the officials reviewed the play, Garnett was slapped with a personal foul then both players got technical fouls and ultimately, Garnett was ejected from the game. There have also been reports that Garnett may get additional disciplinary actions from the NBA because of what he did.

Speaking to the media after the game, Howard said he is now sure of his feelings about the fight.

"Doesn't matter. We won the game. That's what matters. We've got 82 games and the playoffs. I'll do my damage when it's time. As long as you win the game, that's all that matters," he said.

ESPN added that it did not take a long time for Howard to refocus after the incident to score points for the team's victory.

Meanwhile, the outlet noted that Rockets coach Kevin McHale appeared to be protecting Garnett from getting additional penalties.

"In the good old days, that was a play-on. Now, they throw people out. I didn't think it was that big of a deal," McHale added.

Yahoo Sports analyzed the incident and said that Howard did not really show a lot of interest in continuing the fight and that he let himself be restrained by the referee but Garnett, on the other hand, seemed very eager to fight his opponent.

"We will have to wait to see if the NBA opts to suspend either player, although it's a safe bet that Garnett will earn a fine as an absolute minimum," the same report added, noting that the punishment made sense with the actions shown on the video.

Yahoo Sports also said that some fans may not like how the referees reacted to the incident but it noted that this may be the only situation where they may have gotten things right.

 

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