The Charlotte Hornets hosted the Detroit Pistons in a compelling game that featured a near-upset comeback by the home team, following a brawl that broke out on the court.
During the third quarter of the Pistons’ 110-106 victory against the Hornets, tempers flared in an incident involving Detroit’s All-Star Jalen Duren, who slapped the Hornets Moussa Diabate in the face. That caused Charlotte’s Miles Bridges to come to the aid of his teammate as they both went after Duren.
NBA referees, other players in the game, and coaches all got involved in trying to break things up as the chaotic group moved to different areas of the hardwood. Ultimately, the refs ejected Diabate, Bridges, Duren, and the Pistons’ Isaiah Stewart from the game for their roles in the altercation.
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Less than 24 hours after the dust settled from Monday night’s fight, Hornets players spoke to reporters during media availability. That included both Bridges and Diabate, who broke their silence following the wild incident.
“For me, I should have just went to Moussa and made sure he was good. Like you said, it’s a learning experience,” Bridges told one reporter who asked how he might have handled it differently.
“I just want to say sorry to the Hornets organization for the whole incident and sorry to my teammates. But I also want people to know I’m always gonna protect my teammates,” he said, adding, “You just don’t want anybody coming into our arena thinking they can do whatever.”
Bridges said seeing Duren “push Moussa in his face” was “the most disrespectful thing” someone could do, causing him to react in the intense moment.
Diabate also addressed the media in some remarks on Tuesday, expressing remorse over what happened on the court in his team’s home game.
“I fouled him. We get into each other’s faces. It’s basketball. It’s fine at the end of the day,” he told reporters, adding he “lost control” once Duren put a hand in his face.
Diabate also apologized to the organization for his involvement in the altercation. Most likely, he and Bridges will receive at least a game or two of suspension, while other players involved in the incident could face longer penalties.
After Diabate’s hard foul on Duren in the third quarter, the Pistons star responded by shoving him in the face. Diabate threw a punch, and others got involved, including Bridges and the Pistons’ Stewart.
All four players were tossed from the game after the massive brawl and will now await their punishments for the altercation.
ESPN’s NBA insider Bobby Marks indicated Bridges, Duren, and Diabate are likely to get more than two games for their roles in a fight that involved benches and got dangerously close to the crowd. However, he believes Stewart will receive a much lengthier suspension for his involvement and his “repeat offender status” in the NBA.
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