The first-place Detroit Pistons currently control the NBA’s Eastern Conference.
On Monday, however, neither the Pistons nor their opponents, the streaking Charlotte Hornets, had full control of their emotions.
With 7:09 remaining in the third quarter and Detroit holding a 70-62 lead, a defensive foul by Charlotte forward Moussa Diabate triggered a melee that resulted in four player ejections and, according toESPN, a “brief police presence on the floor.”
At the 7:13 mark, Pistons centerJalen Durenreceived an inbounds pass beyond the three-point line and drove aggressively to the basket. After an effective spin move, Duren ended up in the middle of the paint. There, Diabate committed a hard foul, though not a flagrant one.
The Detroit center, apparently having taken exception to the foul, then got into Diabate’s face. From there, the two appeared to butt heads before Duren shoved his right hand into Diabate’s left cheek.
At that point, the Charlotte center flew into a rage, swinging at Duren, overpowering teammates and even security personnel in an effort to get at his antagonist.
After cooler heads got Diabate under control, Hornets forwardMiles Bridgeswent after Duren. That prompted Pistons forwardIsaiah Stewartto leave the bench area and attack Bridges.
“This is out of control,”Hornets’ play-by-play announcerEric Collins remarked.
Collins also predicted that Stewart would face a lengthy suspension for leaving the bench to fight.
All told, the physical confrontation lasted less than a minute.
Source: VidNews » Feed
