Image Source: X
[Saba Sports News] A heated brawl erupted late in Sunday night’s game between the Miami Heat and Houston Rockets, and former Rockets guard Vernon Maxwell couldn’t be prouder of his old team’s response.
With just over 30 seconds left in the game, the Heat led 99-94 at the Toyota Center in Houston when Tyler Herro and Amen Thompson clashed during an inbound play.
Thompson grabbed Herro by the jersey and slammed him to the ground, triggering a chaotic altercation. Miami guard Terry Rozier tackled Thompson in retaliation, and Jalen Green soon joined the fray.
After reviewing the incident, officials ejected Thompson, Herro, Rozier, and Green, as well as Rockets head coach Ime Udoka and assistant coach Ben Sullivan.
While many believe Thompson’s takedown of Herro escalated the situation, Maxwell—who won two NBA titles with the Rockets in the 1990s—stood firmly behind Thompson.
Maxwell even offered to cover any fines incurred by Thompson or other Rockets players for defending their teammate.
“I love me some Amen Thompson. Put his fine on my tab, Rockets. And I’ll take care of anyone else’s fine that stands up for their Rockets teammates,” Maxwell wrote on X (formerly Twitter).
The Heat held on to win 104-100, with Herro leading all scorers with 27 points, 6 rebounds, and 9 assists. After the game, Herro had a fiery response to the incident, underscoring the night’s high emotions.
With fines likely on the horizon, Maxwell’s gesture may turn out to be more than just a symbolic show of support.