CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) — A fight broke out between the Detroit Pistons and Charlotte Hornets in the third quarter of Monday night’s game, and four players were ejected.
Moussa Diabaté and Miles Bridges of Charlotte were eliminated, as were Jalen Duren and Isaiah Stewart of Detroit.
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Duren had the ball and was heading to the basket with just over seven minutes left in the third period when he was fouled by Diabaté. Duren turned around to find himself face to face with Diabaté and the two appeared to be confronting each other. Duren then punched Diabaté in the face with his open right hand, sparking a confrontation that lasted more than 30 seconds.
As Pistons forward Tobias Harris held Diabate back, Diabate threw a punch at Duren. Duren moved away and Bridges charged at him, throwing a left-handed punch. Duren retaliated with a punch. Diabate tried to charge Duren again and had to be restrained.
Stewart came off the bench to confront Bridges, who responded with a punch, and the players fought.
The Pistons then led 70-62.
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Tensions continued to rise at the Spectrum Center. Midway through the fourth quarter, Charlotte coach Charles Lee was ejected and had to be restrained while yelling at the officials for a non-call after Hornets forward Grant Williams collided with Detroit’s Paul Reed.
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NBA AP: https://apnews.com/hub/NBA
