Fines and suspensions are in the offing for four players who threw punches during the Detroit Pistons–Charlotte Hornets game, which many consider one of the wildest in years.
Several punches were thrown before the situation was finally calmed down. The coaching staff of both teams had their hands full trying to restrain players who were too heated and wanted to get a crack at each other.
The kerfuffle started with Jalen Duren and Moussa Diabate, who got tangled under the basket. The Hornets forward was called for a foul for clinging to Duren’s arm, but the Pistons big man took exception and confronted his defender.
Diabate talked trash in Duren’s face, and that’s when things got more physical, as Duren tried to push the Hornets player away. Miles Bridges, who was right beside them, thought Duren did his teammate dirty and got involved by throwing a punch.
Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
Diabate could not be restrained and chased Duren toward half court while security and coaches tried their hardest to hold them back.
The situation escalated further when Isaiah Stewart violated a cardinal rule of on-court fights—never leave the bench. Stewart came after Bridges, and the two got tangled as a host of players, coaches and security personnel tried to separate them.
In the end, all four players were ejected. ESPN reporter Bobby Marks speculates that Stewart will get the heaviest punishment because of similar issues from the past.
Several active and former NBA players reacted to the melee.
A fight between players is bad for the optics but former NBA player Iman Shumpert thought there's something good take from it.
"Hate it was the Pistons again but this league is heating up. It means more!!! And I like it! Stay safe tho fellas…pls," he wrote on X.
The Pistons won the game, 110-104, ending the Hornets' nine-game winning streak.