Brooklyn Nets Update: Kevin Garnett Ejected for Head-butting Dwight Howard [VIDEO]

Brooklyn Nets Kevin Garnett was not able to stay calm during Monday night's game against the Houston Rockets as he head-butted Dwight Howard. Garnett, who finally cooled down after trying to get to Howard despite being restrained, was ejected. Howard received a technical foul for his part in the scuffle.

The altercation between the two players started in the first quarter when Howard and Garnett lightly shoved each other. Garnett quickly elevated the situation by throwing the ball against Howard's back. Garnett then jammed his forehead up against Howard's cheek.

"In the good old days that was a play-on, now they throw people out," Rockets coach Kevin McHale commented. "I don't think it was that big of a deal."

Despite Garnett's display of emotions, the Nets (16-22) were not able to hold off the Rockets, losing 113-99. Rockets' shooting guard, James Harden finished the night with 30 points. Howard scored eight points and recorded five rebounds.

"As long as we win the game, that's all that matters," Howard said in regards the Rockets' dominating offense from the outside. "We've got 82 games and the playoffs. I'll do my damage when it's time."

The Rockets (27-11) made 16 3-pointers in 40 attempts.

Mason Plumlee, who finished the night with a career-high 24 points, acknowledged Garnett's actions, stating, "Kevin did a lot for us, got us going. Those are the kind of games as a team you want to win and we didn't do that."

Garnett did not speak to reporters. Howard, on the other hand, played the situation down. He stated, "Whatever you want to say I did, that's cool. I don't know (how the head-butt felt). Maybe you should take MMA, see how it feels."

The Nets lost their sixth straight game. They are currently eighth in the Eastern Conference. The Rockets, on the other hand, improve their standing over the Grizzlies in the Western Conference.

UPDATE: Garnett has been suspended for one game. Howard has been fined $15,000.