The Brooklyn Nets and the Houston Rockets are on different paths this season, and perhaps that contributed some to the flared tempers that ultimately led to Kevin Garnett's ejection. The future Hall of Famer got into a heated exchange with Rockets center Dwight Howard during the first quarter last night.

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With just under eight minutes remaining in the first quarter, Howard was trying to catch a lob pass in the paint, which led to he and Garnett getting tangled up. A foul was called, and then the show started.

Garnett gave Howard a shove after the foul, and then Howard shoved Garnett away. Garnett retaliated by throwing the ball at Howard, whose back was turned. When the two got into each other's face following the ball throw, Garnett head-butted Howard and gave him another shove. Howard responded with an open-handed slap that caught KG in the neck, and teammates stepped in to separate the two players.

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Garnett tried to go back after Howard, but he was restrained by team and security personnel. Garnett received a personal foul on the play, both players got technicals, and Garnett was ejected from the game. He may be subject to a fine or suspension once the league reviews the incident.

After the game, which Houston won 113-99, Garnett did not speak with the media. When asked about his thoughts, Howard said, "Doesn't matter. We won the game. That's what matters," Howard said. "We've got 82 games and the playoffs. I'll do my damage when it's time."

After the altercation, the Brooklyn crowd booed Howard whenever he got the ball, which he said did not affect him. "That's cool," Howard said. "As long as you win the game, that's all that matters."

Rockets coach Kevin McHale said he was surprised by the ejection. "In the good old days, that was a play-on," McHale said. "Now, they throw people out. I didn't think it was that big of a deal."