NBA Suspends Four Players After Pistons-Hornets Brawl

Incident leads to multiple game suspensions and hefty fines for players involved.

Published on Feb. 12, 2026

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The NBA has handed down suspensions to four players following a heated altercation during Monday night's game between the Detroit Pistons and Charlotte Hornets. Detroit's Isaiah Stewart received the most severe penalty, suspended seven games, while Pistons center Jalen Duren and Hornets forwards Miles Bridges and Moussa Diabate were also suspended for multiple games and fined significant amounts.

Why it matters

On-court fights and brawls are rare but impactful events in the NBA, often leading to harsh penalties as the league seeks to maintain order and sportsmanship. This incident highlights the intense emotions that can boil over during highly competitive games, raising questions about player conduct and discipline.

The details

The clash erupted midway through the third quarter when Diabate committed a hard defensive foul on Duren. Duren confronted Diabate, and the exchange quickly intensified, with Duren pushing Diabate in the face. As officials tried to restore order, Bridges charged in and threw a punch, prompting Stewart to rush off the bench. Stewart and Bridges then became entangled, with Stewart briefly placing Bridges in a headlock and throwing multiple punches.

  • The incident occurred during the third quarter of Monday night's game between the Detroit Pistons and Charlotte Hornets.
  • The suspensions will take effect this week, with Stewart and Duren serving theirs when Detroit visits the Toronto Raptors, while Bridges and Diabate will sit out starting when Charlotte hosts the Atlanta Hawks.

The players

Isaiah Stewart

A Detroit Pistons player who received the most severe penalty, a 7-game suspension, for leaving the bench area and becoming involved in the fight.

Jalen Duren

A Detroit Pistons center who received a 2-game suspension for starting the confrontation.

Miles Bridges

A Charlotte Hornets forward who received a 4-game suspension for escalating the incident by throwing a punch.

Moussa Diabate

A Charlotte Hornets forward who received a 4-game suspension for escalating the incident.

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What they’re saying

“Emotions were flaring. At the end of the day, we would love to keep it basketball, but things happen. Everybody was just playing hard.”

— Jalen Duren

“Sorry Hornets nation! Sorry Hornets Organization.! Always gonna protect my teammates forever.”

— Miles Bridges (Instagram)

What’s next

The suspensions will take effect this week, with Stewart and Duren serving theirs when Detroit visits the Toronto Raptors, while Bridges and Diabate will sit out starting when Charlotte hosts the Atlanta Hawks.

The takeaway

This incident highlights the intense emotions that can boil over during highly competitive NBA games, and the league's commitment to maintaining order and sportsmanship through strict disciplinary measures, including significant suspensions and fines for the players involved.