NBA announces slew of suspensions following Pistons-Magic brawl
On Thursday night, the NBA announced multiple suspensions stemming from Wednesday night’s on-court brawl during the Detroit Pistons’ 121-101 win over the Orlando Magic at Little Caesars Arena.
Pistons guard Killian Hayes received the harshest punishment from the NBA, suspended for three games without pay for his role. Meanwhile, the two other main combatants also received suspensions. Magic center Moritz Wagner got two games, while Pistons guard Hamidou Diallo received a game suspension without pay.
Additionally, eight other Magic players received one-game suspensions for leaving the bench to join the brawl, including Cole Anthony, R.J. Hampton, Gary Harris, Kevon Harris, Admiral Schofield, Franz Wagner, Mo Bamba and Wendell Carter Jr.
Wednesday night’s fight began after an altercation between Wagner and Hayes. Late in the first half, Wagner pushed Hayes out of bounds while the two players pursued a loose ball, triggering Diallo to come to his aid, shoving the Magic center from behind. Wagner then appeared to lose consciousness after being punched in the back of the head by Hayes as the scrum continued.
Both Hayes and Diallo were given technical fouls and ejected from the game.
Hayes, Diallo and Wagner will all begin their suspensions on Friday. Meanwhile, the eight Magic players suspended for leaving the bench area will serve them on a staggered basis, ensuring Orlando has enough available players for the next few games.