Four Players Ejected After Bench-Clearing Fight in Pistons-Hornets Game
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A third-quarter melee led to four ejections Monday night as the Detroit Pistons beat the Charlotte Hornets 110-104 at Spectrum Center in Charlotte.
With 7:01 remaining in the third period and Detroit ahead 70-62, Pistons center Jalen Duren drove to the basket and was hit with a hard foul by Hornets forward Moussa Diabate. The two exchanged words, and Duren slapped Diabate across the face, igniting a brawl.
As teammates moved in, Diabate threw a punch. Duren began to walk away before Hornets forward Miles Bridges charged in and threw a left hand at him. Duren responded, and Diabate tried to re-engage before being restrained.
Pistons forward Isaiah Stewart then left the bench area to confront Bridges, who swung again. Officials, coaches and players needed several minutes to separate the groups and restore order.
After video review, referees ejected Diabate, Bridges, Duren and Stewart. The contest paused for an extended period before play resumed.
Detroit regrouped after the incident and maintained its lead the rest of the way, securing the road victory despite the disruptions.
Source: Hoops Wire
