Multiple ejected as chaos boiled over during Detroit Pistons vs Charlotte Hornets game

The routine Detroit Pistons vs Charlotte Hornets Eastern Conference matchup spiraled into one of the season’s most volatile moments Monday night in Charlotte. The Detroit Pistons and Charlotte Hornets saw their game at Spectrum Center grind to a halt after tempers flared midway through the third quarter, leading to multiple fights and four player ejections.

The incident also pulled in players from both teams, forcing officials into an extended stoppage.The disruption came with Detroit seizing control of the game. The Pistons were in the middle of a strong run, having erased an earlier deficit and pushed ahead on the scoreboard.

Chaos erupted in the Detroit Pistons vs Charlotte Hornets

With a little over seven minutes remaining in the third quarter, Hornets big man Moussa Diabate delivered a hard foul on Pistons center Jalen Duren.

They have exchanged words and then had physical contact. Duren shoved Diabate in the face, and Miles Bridges joined, shoving Duren in response. Diabate then threw a punch and had to be restrained by teammates and coaches as he continued to pursue Duren.

Moments later, Bridges broke free and extended the fight. That action drew Isaiah Stewart into the fray from the Pistons bench. Stewart sprinted onto the floor and put Bridges in a headlock before players and staff separated them.

Officials assessed fighting fouls to Duren, Stewart, Bridges, and Diabate, triggering automatic ejections for all four.After the order was restored, Pistons backup Paul Reed entered the game for Duren and went to the free-throw line under league substitution rules. Detroit led 71-62 at that point, finishing a 24-7 run that stretched back into the second quarter.The chaos did not end there. With under six minutes left in the game, Hornets head coach Charles Lee was ejected after reacting angrily to a collision at the other end of the floor and had to be held back by players.

What happens next for the players involved?

The NBA is expected to review the incident closely. League discipline often extends outside the game ejections, especially when punches are thrown or players continue to engage after officials intervene. The film review will focus on who escalated the situation, who pursued opponents, and whether any actions warrant fines or suspensions.As for Lee, considering the heated situation, the league may add a fine for him as well.