Four Ejected After Pistons-Hornets Brawl Spirals Out of Control

A heated NBA clash turned chaotic as four players were ejected following a mass brawl during the Detroit Pistons’ 110-104 win over the Charlotte Hornets.

Tensions flared in the third quarter when Detroit’s Jalen Duren was fouled by Charlotte’s Moussa Diabate. The incident escalated quickly after both players confronted each other and appeared to butt heads. Diabate, visibly furious, had to be held back as he attempted to throw a punch.

The confrontation spiraled further as Detroit forward Isaiah Stewart intervened, putting Charlotte’s Miles Bridges in a headlock and striking him multiple times. A melee involving several players ensued, lasting around 30 seconds, and even prompted a brief police presence on the court.

Ejected Players:

• Jalen Duren (Detroit)

• Moussa Diabate (Charlotte)

• Isaiah Stewart (Detroit)

• Miles Bridges (Charlotte)

To add to the drama, Hornets coach Charles Lee was also ejected in the fourth quarter after furiously protesting a call, needing to be restrained as he shouted at officials.

“Emotions were flaring… things happen,” Duren said postgame. “Everybody was just playing hard… emotions got high with everybody being competitive.”

Bridges later posted an apology on Instagram:

“Sorry Hornets nation! Sorry Hornets Organization! Always going to protect my team-mates forever.”

Lead official John Goble confirmed that the players were ejected for “engaging in fighting activity during a dead ball.” He explained that video review led to the conclusion that fighting fouls had occurred, resulting in automatic ejections.

Coach Charles Lee commented on the incident:

“Two guys got in a heated conversation and then it kind of spiralled from there… I’ve got to have a little bit better emotional control in that moment.”

Curry to Miss All-Star Game

In other NBA news, Golden State Warriors’ Stephen Curry will miss the All-Star Game this Sunday due to a right knee injury. The franchise is hopeful the superstar guard will return for the February 19 clash against the Boston Celtics following the All-Star break.