Westbrook, Wall get technicals for trash talk in 1st matchup since trade

Jan. 27 (UPI) -- Tempers flared in Houston Tuesday night in the first matchup between John Wall and Russell Westbrook since they were traded for each other, as the All-Stars got technicals for trash talking one another.

The heated exchange came in the fourth quarter of the Rockets' 107-88 victory over the Washington Wizards.

"Russ has been kicking my [expletive] for years," Wall told reporters. "This is only my third win against Russ, I think, since I've been in the league. So that means that he's a hell of a talent.

"I know he's going through injuries, same as I was, and we're just trying to keep getting better, trying to lead our teams. [It was] just two competitive guys trash talking. This ain't the first time we trash talked before, and we know how good that he can be."

Wall missed a free throw before Westbrook pulled down a rebound and ran toward the rim with about 5:19 remaining. He put a crossover dribble move on Wall, which forced the Rockets guard to fall to the floor. P.J. Tucker then fouled Westbrook on the play.

Wall and Westbrook then got into a shouting match before an official issued double technical fouls to the All-Stars.

Westbrook went on to make one of his two free throw attempts. He finished the game with 19 points, 11 rebounds and seven assists. Wall had 24 points and five assists in the win. Bradley Beal scored a game-high 33 points for Washington.

Rockets center DeMarcus Cousins also had 19 points, 11 rebounds and five steals in the victory.

"Now listen, I don't start talking [expletive]," Westbrook said. "I defend myself because I don't just allow people to say just anything, especially when I know the facts as it pertains to anybody on the court playing against [me]. So, I think [Wall and Cousins] just started talking [expletive] because they just started winning at that time.

"So, you know, it's cool, though. We play them again."

The Rockets (7-9) next host the Portland Trail Blazers at 7:30 p.m. EST on Thursday and the Wizards (3-10) face the New Orleans Pelicans at 9 p.m. EST on Wednesday in New Orleans.