Minnesota forward Kevin Love was suspended two games without pay by the NBA on Monday for stamping on Luis Scola as the Houston player lay on the court during a game on Saturday.

In making the announcement NBA executive vice president Stu Jackson said the incident had been upgraded by the league office to a flagrant foul two.

The incident occurred with 8:34 to play in the third quarter of Minnesota’s 100-91 victory over Houston in Minneapolis.

Scola hit the floor after a drive toward the basket and Love stepped on Scola’s head and chest with his left foot as he moved down the court.

At the other end, the Rockets bench was called for a technical, and the contest became increasingly physical from there.

On Saturday, Timberwolves coach Rick Adelman said he was pleased his players didn’t back down from a physical challenge.

“You have to be mentally tough to play through anything,” Adelman said.

Love said via Twitter on Monday, however, that he had gone too far.

“I want to publicly apologise to Luis Scola and the Houston Rockets,” he said in a series of posts.

“My intention is to never hurt another player on the basketball court. … I’ve always had the utmost respect for the game of basketball and all of my opponents.”

Love will serve his suspension Tuesday when Minnesota host Sacramento and Wednesday when they visit Memphis.