The massive brawl in the third quarter of Monday’s game between the Detroit Pistons and Charlotte Hornets resulted in the suspension of four players.
The NBA announced on Wednesday that Pistons center Isaiah Stewart has been suspended seven games for leaving the bench to confront Hornets forward Miles Bridges, who received a four-game suspension. Hornets center Moussa Diabate and Pistons center Jalen Duren were also suspended for four games and two games, respectively.
Stewart is a repeat offender who has previously been suspended for his conduct four times by the NBA, so it’s no surprise that he received the harshest punishment.
All four players were ejected from Monday’s game, which Detroit won 110-104 to snap Charlotte’s nine-game win streak. Hornets head coach Charles Lee was also ejected in the fourth quarter after he had to be restrained while arguing with an official over a call.
The fracas started when Duren was fouled by Diabate on a drive to the basket. The two of them got nose-to-nose before Duren shoved Diabate’s face with his open hand, and Diabate refused to be restrained as he attempted to retaliate. Both Diabate and Bridges threw punches at Duren, who responded with a punch of his own. Stewart left Detroit’s bench to charge at Bridges, who threw a punch before the two of them tussled. Stewart was seen holding Bridges in a headlock while throwing multiple left-handed blows to his head.
After the Pistons’ win, Duren blamed the drama on an “overly competitive game” and claimed that his team has been tested throughout the season.
“This isn’t the first time that people have tried to be like extra aggressive with us and talk to us, whatever the case may be,” Duren said, per the Associated Press. “But as a group, we have done an OK job of handling that energy and intensity. At the end of the day, emotions got high with everybody being competitive. Things happen.”
Duren was selected to the All-Star Game for the first time in his career, so his absence will have a major impact on Detroit’s lineup in the interim. NBA insider Chris Haynes reported that he still will be allowed to participate in the All-Star Game despite his suspension. Stewart was his primary backup, so the Pistons will be lacking significant depth in the frontcourt.
The Hornets will be hoping to regain their momentum after having their win streak snapped. Charlotte has been mired in a perpetual rebuild for years but climbed to 10th in the Eastern Conference with a 25-29 record. The team will be facing the Atlanta Hawks (26-29) on Wednesday.
The Pistons, who lead the East with a 39-13 record, will also be in action on Wednesday when they meet the Toronto Raptors (32-22).