Kevin Garnett suspended one game for headbutting Dwight Howard

The NBA has suspended Kevin Garnett for one game without pay after he was ejected for headbuttingDwight Howard during the Nets' 113-99 home loss to the Rockets on Monday.

Garnett is on the books for $12 million this season and a one-game suspension will cost him roughly $109,000. He will serve his suspension on Wednesday when the Nets host the Grizzlies. Howard was fined $15,000 for "pushing Garnett in the neck area" during the incident.

The two players became entangled when Houston tried to feed Howard in the post with a little under eight minutes remaining in the first quarter and Houston leading 17-14 . Garnett was whistled for a defensive foul on the play, and he then exchanged minor shoves with Garnett after the whistle. One thing led to another, and Garnett then threw the basketball at Howard's upper body. The two players then came together to confront each other, with Garnett leaning forward into Howard and initiating head-to-head contact. More shoving ensued from there, including Howard slapping at Garnett's neck with an open hand, before teammates and the officials intervened.

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Garnett continued to pursue Howard after the initial incident as security staff members attempted to grab him from behind and direct him away from another showdown.

Eventually, Garnett was assessed two technical fouls and ejected for his role in the incident. He departed with two points and one assist in four minutes. Howard was given a technical foul and allowed to remain in the game. He finished with eight points (on 3-for-9 shooting) and five rebounds.

Last month, the 38-year-old Garnett made headlines when he blew into the ear of Pacers forward David West.