The NBA has handed down suspensions following a heated altercation between players from the Detroit Pistons and Minnesota Timberwolves during their March 30th game at Target Center. The incident, which escalated in the second quarter, led to five players being disciplined for their roles in the on-court melee.
Detroit Pistons forward-center Isaiah Stewart received the harshest punishment, a two-game suspension without pay, for his involvement in the altercation. The NBA cited Stewart’s history of unsportsmanlike conduct as a contributing factor to the severity of his suspension. Stewart, known for his fiery on-court demeanor, was deemed responsible for escalating the confrontation.
Alongside Stewart, Pistons forward Ron Holland II and guard Marcus Sasser, along with Timberwolves center-forward Naz Reid and guard Donte DiVincenzo, were each given one-game suspensions for their parts in the incident. All five players were also assessed technical fouls and ejected from the game.
The conflict started with a defensive foul committed by Holland II on Reid with 8:36 remaining in the second quarter. Reid, visibly frustrated, pointed at and confronted Holland II. The situation quickly intensified when Holland II shoved DiVincenzo, prompting a response from the Timberwolves guard, who then shoved Holland II back. The two players, along with Reid, became entangled and fell into the spectator stands.
As tensions continued to rise, Stewart and Sasser joined the fray near the stands, shoving both DiVincenzo and Reid, which further fueled the altercation. The NBA described the situation as one that required an immediate response to prevent it from escalating any further.
The Timberwolves went on to win the game 123-104, but the fallout from the scuffle has overshadowed the victory.
Reid and DiVincenzo’s one-game suspensions took effect immediately, as they missed the Timberwolves’ game against the Denver Nuggets at Ball Arena. Stewart’s two-game suspension will begin on Wednesday when the Pistons face off against the Oklahoma City Thunder at Paycom Center. Holland II and Sasser will also serve their one-game suspensions on Wednesday night.
