The Detroit Pistons defeated the Orlando Magic on Thursday night, 121-101, but the final score is the last thing people will remember about this contest between two of the worst teams in the NBA thus far this season. Instead, this game will be remembered for the ugly scuffle that occurred just before halftime.
Thirty-four seconds were remaining in the first half when an errant pass made by the Magic was heading into the backcourt. Orlando’s Moritz Wagner and Detroit’s Killian Hayes were both chasing after the ball. As Wagner was slowing up to touch the ball, knowing it would be a backcourt violation, Hayes attempted to slip by him for what would have been an easy basket.
Wagner gave a push to Hayes, who fell into the Pistons’ bench and a fracas ensued. Hamidou Diallo, who was on the court, gave Wagner a shove in the back. Enraged that he was shoved in the first place, Hayes escalated the situation by punching Wagner in the back of his head and the base of his neck, looking to knock him unconscious as he slumped into a group of Pistons’ coaches and players on the bench.
Franz Wagner, Mortiz’s younger brother, said that Moritz is fine, but a blow like that to the head could cause a lot of damage, especially if he did go unconscious as it looks. Essentially every player on every team was involved, which Franz commented on as well.
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“We’re aware of the rule, but things like that usually happen on the court, not on one of the benches,” he said. “Your worry is that your teammate is down there amongst the whole other team.”
Consequences have actions, and for the Magic, it means a ton of suspensions and fines. Eight Magic players have been suspended one game for leaving the bench area. Franz, Cole Anthony, Wendell Carter Jr., R.J. Hampton, Gary Harris, Kevon Harris, Admiral Schofield, and Mo Bamba were all not in the game when the situation arose.
Making sure that the Magic have enough players eligible for games, the suspensions will be staggered. Anthony, Bamba, Carter, Hampton and G. Harris will serve theirs on Friday against the Washington Wizards. K. Harris, Schofield and F. Wagner will serve theirs on January 4th against the Oklahoma City Thunder.
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The longest suspension was handed to Hayes, who will serve three games, resulting in about $121,000 in lost wages. M. Wagner will be suspended for two games and Diallo will miss one game.
