Getty
CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA – FEBRUARY 09: Moussa Diabate #14 and Miles Bridges #0 of the Charlotte Hornets fight Jalen Duren #0 of the Detroit Pistons during the second half of a basketball game at Spectrum Center on February 09, 2026 in Charlotte, North Carolina. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by David Jensen/Getty Images)
Charlotte Hornets forward Miles Bridges could face a suspension longer than two games following his role in a heated on-court altercation with the Detroit Pistons, according to ESPN front office insider Bobby Marks.
The fight erupted during the third quarter of Charlotte’s 110–104 loss to Detroit on Monday night, a game that snapped the Hornets’ nine-game winning streak. Four players were ejected as the confrontation escalated and briefly prompted a police presence on the court.
Appearing Tuesday on NBA Today, Marks projected multi-game suspensions for all four players involved — but said Bridges’ role in escalating the incident could lead to more significant discipline.
“I think when you talk about the past, what has happened in the past, I think Isaiah Stewart [could get] 10 games,” Marks said. “It’s going to be one of the bigger on-court discipline [cases]. I think for Miles Bridges, it’s going to be more than two because he escalated again.”
Marks added that Charlotte forward Moussa Diabate and Pistons center Jalen Duren are also likely to face multiple-game suspensions.
“Usually one punch gets you a game,” Marks said. “But as you can see, it escalated into the crowd. There are a lot of different layers that the league’s going to look [at].”
How the Hornets-Pistons Altercation Escalated
The incident began with just over seven minutes remaining in the third quarter when Duren drove toward the basket and was fouled by Diabate. After the whistle, Duren turned to face Diabate, and the two appeared to make head-to-head contact.
Duren then pushed Diabate in the face with an open right hand, triggering a confrontation that lasted more than 30 seconds. As Pistons forward Tobias Harris attempted to restrain Diabate, the Hornets’ big man threw a punch at Duren.
Duren initially walked away, but Bridges charged toward him and threw a left-handed punch. Duren responded with a punch of his own.
Diabate again attempted to engage and had to be restrained. Pistons forward Isaiah Stewart then left the bench area to confront Bridges. The two tussled, and Stewart briefly placed Bridges in a headlock while delivering multiple left-handed blows before officials and teammates intervened.
All four players — Bridges, Diabate, Duren, and Stewart — were ejected.
Bridges’ Disciplinary History Adds Weight
Bridges’ previous discipline could factor into the league’s review.
The NBA announced a 30-game suspension for Bridges in 2023, with 20 games credited as time already missed, stemming from a domestic violence case that was later dismissed. He served a 10-game suspension to open the 2023–24 season and was fined $50,000 in April 2022 for throwing his mouthpiece into the stands.
Marks specifically cited escalation as a key factor in his projection for Bridges, noting that the Hornets forward charged into the altercation after the initial confrontation had already begun.
Bridges Apologizes, Expresses Remorse
Bridges addressed the incident publicly late Monday night with a message on Instagram.
“Sorry Hornets nation! Sorry Hornets Organization.! Always gonna protect my teammates forever,” Bridges wrote.
He reiterated that sentiment the following day when speaking to reporters.
“For me, I should have just went to Moussa and made sure he was good,” Bridges said Tuesday. “Like you said, it’s a learning experience.”
Bridges added that while he regrets how the situation unfolded, his instinct was rooted in loyalty.
“I just want to say sorry to the Hornets organization for the whole incident and sorry to my teammates,” he said. “But I also want people to know I’m always gonna protect my teammates. You just don’t want anybody coming into our arena thinking they can do whatever.”
What Comes Next for Charlotte
The NBA is expected to announce disciplinary action later this week. Based on Marks’ assessment, Bridges’ suspension could sideline a key contributor during a critical stretch of Charlotte’s season, potentially disrupting a team that had been surging before Monday’s loss.
For the Hornets, the league’s ruling will determine not only Bridges’ availability, but also how quickly they can move forward from an incident that shifted the focus away from their on-court momentum and toward looming discipline.
Alder Almo is a sports journalist covering the NBA for Heavy.com. He has more than 20 years of experience in local and international media, including broadcast, print and digital. He previously covered the Knicks for Empire Sports Media and the NBA for Off the Glass. Alder is from the Philippines and is now based in Jersey City, New Jersey. More about Alder Almo
More Heavy on Hornets
Loading more stories