NBA Suspends Five Players After Heated Pistons vs. Timberwolves Brawl
Posted 1 week 22 hours ago
The NBA has handed down suspensions to five players following a heated altercation between the Detroit Pistons and Minnesota Timberwolves on Sunday (March 30) U.S. time.
Pistons forward Isaiah Stewart received the harshest penalty with a two-game suspension due to his prior disciplinary history. Executive Vice President and Head of Basketball Operations Joe Dumars announced the suspensions, stating that Stewart's previous infractions contributed to his extended punishment.
Meanwhile, Ron Holland II, Marcus Sasser, Naz Reid, and Donte DiVincenzo will each serve a one-game suspension.
Read More: https://www.esnnews.com/post/trae-young-returns-oklahoma-assistant-general-manager-donation The fight erupted with 8:36 remaining in the second quarter after Holland committed a foul on Reid during a layup attempt.
A heated exchange ensued, with Reid pointing at Holland’s face before DiVincenzo intervened by placing his hands on Holland’s chest, escalating the tension. The altercation intensified when DiVincenzo grabbed Holland’s shoulder and brought him to the ground, sparking a full-scale brawl.
Players and coaches from both teams rushed onto the court, some attempting to diffuse the situation while others got caught up in the chaos. Timberwolves’ Rudy Gobert attempted to separate players, but Stewart ended up near the second row of the stands as fans scrambled to avoid the scuffle.
Read More: https://www.esnnews.com/post/lebron-james-buzzer-beater-lakers-pacers-win Officials eventually restored order, ejecting seven individuals, including Pistons head coach JB Bickerstaff and Timberwolves assistant Pablo Prigioni, alongside Stewart, Holland, Reid, DiVincenzo, and Sasser.
At the time of the fight, Detroit led 39-29, but after losing three players to ejections, they struggled to regain momentum. Minnesota capitalized on the Pistons’ depleted roster, outscoring them by 29 points to secure a dominant 123-104 victory.
Multiple technical fouls were issued, including four against Detroit and three against Minnesota, leading to crucial free throws that further widened the gap. Despite nearly three quarters remaining, the Pistons were unable to recover, allowing the Timberwolves to take full control and seal the win.