Stewart Suspended 7 Games; Pistons-Hornets Brawl Draws Further Penalties
Detroit Pistons center Isaiah Stewart has been suspended for seven games following a brawl during a recent game against the Charlotte Hornets. The incident, which escalated during the Pistons’ 110-104 victory, resulted in multiple suspensions handed down by the NBA.
Details of the Incident
The altercation took place in the third quarter after Jalen Duren, a player for the Pistons, was fouled by Hornets forward Moussa Diabaté. Tensions rose quickly when Duren and Diabaté had a heated exchange, which turned physical. Duren was eventually ejected after throwing a punch during the scuffle, igniting further chaos on the court.
Suspensions and Reactions
- Isaiah Stewart: 7 games for leaving the bench and instigating the fight.
- Moussa Diabaté: 4 games for his role in escalating the altercation.
- Miles Bridges: 4 games for his part in the fight.
- Jalen Duren: 2 games for initiating the altercation.
NBA officials noted that Stewart’s history of unsportsmanlike behavior contributed to his lengthy suspension. He has faced five suspensions in his career, including a notable incident with LeBron James in 2021.
Coaches’ Statements
After the game, Pistons head coach J.B. Bickerstaff defended his players, stating that the team’s reputation for reacting aggressively is misguided. He expressed a desire for Stewart’s suspension to be shorter but acknowledged the league’s decisions.
On the other side, Hornets coach Charles Lee accepted the penalties, acknowledging that the team needed to learn from the incident. “Our actions put us in a situation where we have to take the medicine as the league hands out,” Lee remarked.
Player Perspectives
Following the altercation, Diabaté issued an apology to the Hornets and their fans, reflecting on the loss of control during the game. Despite the chaos, Duren described the contest as competitive, emphasizing the importance of maintaining sportsmanship.
Current Standings
As of now, the Pistons sit in first place in the Eastern Conference. Meanwhile, the Hornets are striving for a playoff position after experiencing a nine-game winning streak—just one win shy of tying a franchise record.
