NEW YORK — Kevin Garnett has been suspended one game by the NBA and Dwight Howard fined $15,000 for their altercation Monday in the Houston Rockets’ victory over the Brooklyn Nets.
The league said Tuesday that Garnett initiated the altercation and head-butted Howard. The league added in its statement that Howard pushed Garnett in the neck area, agreeing with the referees that the Rockets center did not throw a punch.
The altercation began with 7:53 left in the first quarter after Garnett fouled Howard. The two exchanged light shoves before Garnett threw the ball into Howard’s back. After they came face to face, Garnett slammed his head into the area near Howard’s mouth, and Howard responded by throwing his right hand into Garnett’s neck.
Garnett will miss the Nets’ game against the Memphis Grizzlies on Wednesday.
Thumbnail photo via Adam Hunger/USA TODAY Sports Images
