Moussa Diabaté Apologizes for Fight with Jalen Duren

Hornets center says he lost control of his emotions after Pistons player put hand in his face

Feb. 10, 2026 at 1:47pm

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Moussa Diabaté, the Charlotte Hornets center, opened up about the fight that broke out between him and Detroit Pistons center Jalen Duren during their game on February 9th. Diabaté admitted he made a mistake in losing control of his emotions after Duren put his hand in Diabaté's face, leading to an all-out brawl on the court. Both players, along with teammates Miles Bridges and Isaiah Stewart, are expected to face fines and suspensions from the league for their involvement in the incident.

Why it matters

The fight between Diabaté and Duren is the latest in a string of on-court altercations that have plagued the NBA this season, raising concerns about player conduct and sportsmanship. As two of the league's rising young stars, Diabaté and Duren's actions could have significant consequences, both for themselves and their teams, as they try to make playoff pushes.

The details

According to Diabaté, the incident started when he fouled Duren early in the third quarter. The two players got into each other's faces, which Diabaté said is normal in a competitive basketball game. However, Diabaté said he "lost control of his emotions" when Duren put his hand in Diabaté's face, leading Diabaté to retaliate. Video footage clearly shows Duren initiating the physical contact that sparked the brawl.

  • The fight occurred during the third quarter of the Hornets-Pistons game on February 9, 2026.
  • Diabaté and Duren, along with Bridges and Stewart, are expected to receive fines and suspensions from the league later today or this evening.

The players

Moussa Diabaté

The Charlotte Hornets center who was involved in the fight with Jalen Duren.

Jalen Duren

The Detroit Pistons center who initiated the physical contact that sparked the brawl with Diabaté.

Miles Bridges

The Charlotte Hornets forward who was also ejected from the game for his involvement in the fight.

Isaiah Stewart

The Detroit Pistons forward/center who was also ejected from the game for his involvement in the fight.

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What they’re saying

“We got back and forth. It's a basketball game at the end of the day, so we're going to be competitive, we're going to talk, we're going to be physical, and I'm completely okay with that. I fouled him, got into each other's face, which is fine, it's basketball. It got completely different when he put his hand in my face, and I lost control of my emotions. When he put his hand in my face, I think that's when I kind of lost control of it. Obviously, it shouldn't have happened.”

— Moussa Diabaté, Charlotte Hornets Center

“Just an overly competitive game, emotions flaring. At the end of the day, we would love to keep it basketball, but things happen.”

— Jalen Duren, Detroit Pistons Center

What’s next

Diabaté, Duren, Bridges, and Stewart are all expected to receive fines and suspensions from the NBA for their involvement in the fight. The league's decision on the punishments is expected to be announced later today or this evening.

The takeaway

This incident highlights the need for better sportsmanship and emotional control among NBA players, even in the heat of competitive games. As rising stars, Diabaté and Duren have a responsibility to set a positive example and keep their emotions in check, rather than resorting to physical altercations that could jeopardize their teams' playoff aspirations.