Three players ejected after scuffle during Pistons-Magic game
The game wasn’t close, but fans were still entertained.
Three players were ejected after a fight occurred on the sideline between the Orlando Magic and Detroit Pistons on Wednesday night.
Magic forward Moritz Wagner, Pistons’ guards Hamidou Diallo and Killian Hayes were ejected late in the first half for their roles in the scuffle.
Wagner and Hayes were chasing a loose ball in the backcourt following an errant pass. Wagner didn’t make a full attempt to pick up the ball, knowing he would be called for a backcourt violation. Hayes attempted to speed past Wagner and was hip-checked by the Magic forward — sending the guard into his team’s bench.
Hayes quickly got up and retaliated with a punch to the back of Wagner’s head — right after Diallo shoved the Magic forward — that appeared to briefly knock out the 25-year-old German.
Pistons’ assistants covered up Wagner after he sustained blows from the two players.
After a review, officials assessed Wagner a flagrant-2 foul — triggering an immediate ejection. Diallo and Hayes were also given technical fouls.
The NBA could issue punishment in the coming days to discipline players that left their bench area during the scuffle. Franz Wagner — Moritz’s brother — Cole Anthony, Wendell Carter Jr, Gary Harris, Harlem native Mo Bamba, R.J Hampton, Terrance Ross and Admiral Schofield were among the players that left the Magic bench area.
The Eastern Conference matchup ended with the Pistons getting a 121-101 victory over the Magic. Former Knicks guard Alec Burks finished with 32 points and four assists.
This is the second straight season the Pistons were involved in an on-court incident resulting in ejections. Last season, Pistons center Isaiah Stewart was tossed from a game after charging at Lakers forward LeBron James. Stewart charged at James after taking a strike to the face — leaving the Pistons’ center bloodied.
Days later, the NBA handed Stewart a two-game suspension and issued James a one-game suspension. James’ suspension marked his first of his career.
