The two stars at the center of the ruckus shared words after the game

THE preseason game between the New Orleans Pelicans and Houston Rockets threatened to get ugly this week.

Kevin Durant and Co travelled to Birmingham, Alabama for a game at the home of the Pelicans‘ G-League team.

Pelicans Rockets Basketball
Amen Thompson clashed with Jose AlvaradoCredit: AP

Pelicans Rockets Basketball
Thompson was held back by teammate Kevin DurantCredit: AP
While the game was billed as an exhibition, some players can never turn off their competitive motors.

During the second quarter, New Orleans’ scrappy, barely 6ft guard Jose Alvarado battled for position with former No4 pick Amen Thompson.

Despite being considerably shorter than his opponent, Alvarado did not bow down.

As Yves Missi grabbed the board, Thompson appeared to shove Alvarado.

Not wanting to be outdone, the Pelicans’ No15 grabbed the Houston star to bring him down too.

Visibly frustrated, Thompson swung towards Alvarado, but barely made connection before the pair were separated by teammates.

During the regular season, both stars might have been at risk of an ejection, given the volatility of some NBA officiating.

With it being a preseason game, both men were allowed to continue.

Alvarado, 27, was hit with a technical foul, while Thompson was handed a flagrant foul penalty one.

While the pair got heated during the game, there were clearly no hard feelings when all was said and done.

Following the end of the contest, Alvarado and Thompson hugged it out on court.

Both stars appeared to be laughing and joking as they shook hands.

The Pels led 61-60 going into the half in what was a competitive matchup.

Things appeared to get away from Willie Green’s squad during the third, as they were outscored 42-29.

With both sides using the ends of their respective benches, New Orleans got back into the contest down the stretch.

Houston scored their go-ahead basket with just 1.8 seconds remaining to lead 130-128.

New Orleans’ recent No7 pick Jeremiah Fears, who was impressive in a 20-point performance off the bench, then had a chance to steal the game with a deep three, but couldn’t make the shot.

Zion Williamson scored 13 points in 23 minutes, including a thrilling 360 degree dunk.

While Durant managed 15 points in 28 minutes.

New Orleans will be back in preseason action tonight when it takes on the Orlando Magic, while Houston faces the Atlanta Hawks.

Houston Rockets v New Orleans Pelicans
There appeared to be no hard feelings between Alvarado and Thompson after the gameCredit: Getty

Houston Rockets v New Orleans Pelicans
The previously scuffling pair hug it out