Kevin Durant scored 31 points as the Houston Rockets bounced back from a controversial overtime defeat to defeat the Denver Nuggets 115-101 on Saturday.

Earlier this week, Houston coach Ime Udoka was fined $25,000 by the NBA for criticizing the officiating in the Rockets’ 128-125 loss to Denver on Monday. On Saturday, the Rockets got their revenge in a hard-fought rematch in Denver.

Durant starred with five three-pointers, while Reed Sheppard came off the bench to score 28 points, hitting six of nine from beyond the arc.

The game featured a tense moment late in the third quarter when Durant clashed with Denver’s Bruce Brown, forcing teammates to intervene. Brown declined to elaborate on the incident.

“Some words were said that were a little bit disrespectful,” Brown said. “I can’t wait to see him next time. There are certain things you don’t say to another man.”

Durant, meanwhile, downplayed the spat, noting he had intentionally embraced a combative approach.

“I definitely wanted to cross the line tonight,” Durant said. “That’s basketball… it’s part of the game. Some people can talk and play. Some people can’t. I had to learn how to talk and play as a player. I think Bruce is probably learning the same thing.”

The win improved Houston to 17-8, keeping them fifth in the Western Conference, while Denver remain third at 20-7.

Elsewhere on Saturday, Payton Pritchard scored 33 points to lead the Boston Celtics past the Toronto Raptors 112-96. Pritchard also recorded eight rebounds and 10 assists, with five other Celtics players scoring in double digits, boosting Boston to 17-11.

In Philadelphia, top draft pick Cooper Flagg and Anthony Davis each scored 24 points, but the Dallas Mavericks fell 121-114 to the 76ers, who were powered by a 38-point performance from Tyrese Maxey.