Houston Rockets star Kevin Durant and Miami Heat star Tyler Herro had a heated exchange early into Saturday’s game at Kaseya Center in Miami.

About midway through the opening quarter, Durant and Herro received technical fouls due to their mini-scuffle. The Rockets called a timeout to challenge the previous play. And as the teams prepared to resume the game, Durant and Herro had to be separated.

It’s unclear what started it, but both stars were heated. Durant seemed to imply that Herro couldn’t guard him as Miami sent double teams. The Heat star, meanwhile, seemed seemed to direct a derogatory remak at the Rockets star.

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After the first-quarter altercation, both players continued to talk trash to each other. In one play, Durant had words for Herro after hitting a 3-pointer over him.

At halftime, Houston led 52-51. Durant had 14 points and five assists on 5-for-7 shooting in the first half, while Herro scored eight points on 3-for-6 shooting. Bam Adebayo’s 12 points led the Heat in the first half.

Kevin Durant and Tyler Herro were previously linked in trade rumors

Before being traded to the Houston Rockets in the offseason, the Miami Heat were rumored to be among the teams that inquired about Kevin Durant. Heat reporter Anthony Chiang said Saturday that Miami was in conversations with Durant’s former team, the Phoenix Suns.

However, the Heat were reluctant to offer a massive haul in exchange for the 37-year-old star. Among the players reported to be part of Miami’s proposal was Tyler Herro. Phoenix ultimately selected Houston’s offer, which became an NBA-record seven-team trade.

Through 55 games in his first season with the Rockets, Kevin Durant is averaging 26.1 points, 5.4 rebounds and 4.5 assists on 50.8% shooting, including 40.2% from 3-point range. Entering Saturday, Houston was No. 3 in the Western Conference with a 37-21 record.

Meanwhile, Herro has battled injuries throughout the season. In 15 games for the 31-29 Miami, he is putting up 21.2 ppg, 4.5 rpg and 3.5 apg on 48.2% shooting (36.2% on 3-pointers).

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