Kevin Durant still has ‘respect’ for Tyler Hero after back-to-back taunts

Kevin Durant addressed the media about his interactions with Tyler Herro following Houston Rockets loss to Miami Heat on Saturday night.

Durant and Herro exchanged words during the first half. In the first quarter, the two argued as the referee crew had to separate them before things escalated further. They continued to trade barbs with each other for the rest of the game.

The opposing stars ended up hugging each other after the game, continuing their intense interactions. Durant reflected on those moments after the game, via reporter Brady Hoke. The veteran star described it as needing some energy to kick off the competition.

“I think we both just needed a little energy to start the game,” Durant said. “You saw. We were laughing and joking right after. I have respect for Tyler, he has respect for me… Those words are just words.”

I asked Kevin Durant about the back and forth with Tyler Herr tonight:

“I think we both just needed a little energy to start the game.”

“You saw. We were laughing and joking right after. I have respect for Tyler, he respects me.”

“Those words are just words.” pic.twitter.com/1ueDVzD4Ke

— Brady Hawk (@BradyHawk305) February 28, 2026

As Kevin Durant, the Rockets played against the Heat

It is the art of competitive spirit. Regardless of how intense interactions Kevin Durant and Tyler Herro have had with each other, they continue to maintain respect for each other. However, Herro got the laughs, helping the Heat down the Rockets 115-105 at home.

Five players scored in double figures for Houston in the loss, including Durant. He finished with 32 points, eight assists, five rebounds and two blocks. He shot 12 of 20 from the field, including 2 of 8 from beyond the arc and 6 of 6 from the free throw line. Next is Amen Thompson with 20 points and 11 rebounds, Reid Shepherd with 14 points and five assists, Alperen Sengun with 13 points and six rebounds, while Tarry Eason scored 10 points and 11 rebounds.

Houston fell to a 37-22 record on the season, holding third place in the Western Conference standings. They are ahead of the Denver Nuggets and Minnesota Timberwolves by 0.5 games, while trailing the San Antonio Spurs by six games and the Oklahoma City Thunder by eight games.

The Rockets will look to bounce back in their next game, staying on the road. They face the Washington Wizards and tip-off will take place on March 2nd at 7pm ET.