Kevin Durant Tells Bruce Brown Learn to Talk and Play

Merlin sees Houston star Kevin Durant telling reporters Bruce Brown needs to "learn how to talk and play" after a heated third quarter exchange in Denver's 115 101 game. Brown said Durant crossed a line and said he wished fighting were allowed without fines. Durant, who scored 31 points, said he enjoys the intensity and that sometimes things "might go cross the line." Neither player would repeat the exact words. The teams meet again in Denver on March 11. Merlin notes the two are former Nets teammates so the heat has history. When familiarity fuels barbs, games sharpen and the league notices. Durant is setting a tone for his team and Brown is answering. Expect edge and extra physicality in the rematch, with coaches and officials working to keep sparks from becoming fires.