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HOUSTON, TEXAS – SEPTEMBER 29: Kevin Durant #7 of the Houston Rockets speaks with the media during NBA Media Day at Toyota Center on September 29, 2025 in Houston, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Kenneth Richmond/Getty Images)
On Saturday, the Houston Rockets played the Miami Heat in Florida.
The Rockets lost by a score of 115-105.
Despite the loss, 2014 MVP Kevin Durant went off for 32 points, five rebounds, eight assists and two blocks while shooting 12/20 from the field and 2/8 from three-point range in 37 minutes of playing time.
Kevin Durant Made Feelings Clear About Tyler Herro
GettyMIAMI, FLORIDA – FEBRUARY 28: Tyler Herro #14 of the Miami Heat and Kevin Durant #7 of the Houston Rockets exchange words during the first quarter of the game at Kaseya Center on February 28, 2026 in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Megan Briggs/Getty Images)
During the game, Durant had a minor dust up with Heat star Tyler Herro that got a lot of views on social media.
After the game, Durant spoke about Herro when he met with the media (via Brady Hawk of Five Reasons Sports).
Durant: “I just think we both needed a little jolt of energy to start the game… We laughing, joked, right after that. I got respect for Tyler. He has respect for me.”
I asked Kevin Durant about the back and forth with Tyler Herro tonight:
“I think we both just needed a jolt of energy to start the game.”
“You seen it. We laughed and joked right after that. I got respect for Tyler, he has respect for me.”
“Those words are just words.”
Durant and Herro were seen embracing each other after the game.
Tyler Herro and Kevin Durant embrace after a contentious game. #HeatNation
Durant’s First Season With Houston Rockets
GettyMIAMI, FLORIDA – FEBRUARY 28: Kevin Durant #7 of the Houston Rockets dribbles the ball against Andrew Wiggins #22 of the Miami Heat during the third quarter of the game at Kaseya Center on February 28, 2026 in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Megan Briggs/Getty Images)
Durant is in his first season with Houston after a trade sent him to the franchise over the offseason.
He came into the night with averages of 26.1 points, 5.4 rebounds and 4.5 assists per contest while shooting 50.8% from the field and 40.2% from three-point range in 55 games.
The future Hall of Famer also had stints with the Phoenix Suns, Brooklyn Nets, Golden State Warriors and Oklahoma City Thunder.
SleeperRockets wrote: “Kevin Durant and Reed Sheppard are the only Rockets starters with a positive +/- rating today Every other starter is a -12 or worse That tells you everything you need to know about this game”
Kevin Durant and Reed Sheppard are the only Rockets starters with a positive +/- rating today
Every other starter is a -12 or worse
That tells you everything you need to know about this game
A Look At The Houston Rockets
GettyMIAMI, FLORIDA – FEBRUARY 28: Kevin Durant #7 of the Houston Rockets autographs his jersey after a game against the Miami Heat at Kaseya Center on February 28, 2026 in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Megan Briggs/Getty Images)
Right now, the Rockets are the third seed in the Western Conference with a 37-22 record in 59 games.
They have won six out of ten (and are 17-15 in 32 games on the road).
Following the Heat, the Rockets will play their next game on Monday night when they visit the Washington Wizards.
A Look At The Miami Heat
GettyMIAMI, FLORIDA – FEBRUARY 28: Tyler Herro #14, Andrew Wiggins #22 and Pelle Larsson #9 of the Miami Heat celebrate during the fourth quarter of the game against the Houston Rockets at Kaseya Center on February 28, 2026 in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Megan Briggs/Getty Images)
The Heat improved to 32-29 in 61 games, which has them as the eighth seed in the Eastern Conference.
They have won five out of their last ten games (and are 18-11 at home).
Following the Rockets, the Heat will host the Brooklyn Nets on Tuesday.
Ben Stinar Ben Stinar has been covering the NBA for over seven years.
He has written for OnSI, Forbes, Amico Hoops, The Big Lead and had a podcast with former All-Star Jameer Nelson. More about Ben Stinar
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