The NBA has handed down suspensions to five players involved in a heated altercation during Sunday's game between the Detroit Pistons and the Minnesota Timberwolves. The incident, which took place in the second quarter of Minnesota’s 123-104 victory, saw multiple players ejected and has now resulted in disciplinary action from the league.
Suspensions and Penalties
Detroit Pistons' Isaiah Stewart received the harshest punishment, a two-game suspension without pay, for "escalating an on-court altercation" and due to his "repeated history of unsportsmanlike acts." Meanwhile, Pistons rookies Ron Holland II and Marcus Sasser, along with Minnesota’s Donte DiVincenzo and Naz Reid, have each been suspended for one game without pay.
How the Incident Unfolded
The confrontation began with 8:36 left in the second quarter when Detroit’s Holland fouled Minnesota’s Reid. A verbal exchange between the two quickly intensified, leading to further involvement from players on both sides. Minnesota’s DiVincenzo engaged with Holland, escalating the scuffle, which eventually spilled toward the courtside seats.
As tensions flared, game officials intervened and ejected five players—Holland, Stewart, and Sasser from Detroit, along with Reid and DiVincenzo from Minnesota. Additionally, Pistons head coach J.B. Bickerstaff and Timberwolves assistant coach Pablo Prigioni were also thrown out of the game for their roles in the altercation.
Suspension Timeline
Reid and DiVincenzo will serve their suspensions during Minnesota’s Tuesday matchup against the Denver Nuggets. Stewart’s two-game suspension will begin on Wednesday when the Pistons face the Oklahoma City Thunder. Holland and Sasser will also miss Wednesday’s game against the Thunder as part of their penalties.
The NBA has been firm in maintaining discipline and sportsmanship on the court, with these suspensions serving as a reminder of the league’s commitment to keeping the game under control.
"Detroit Pistons forward-center Isaiah Stewart has been suspended two games without pay for escalating an on-court altercation, it was announced today by Joe Dumars, Executive Vice Vire President, Head of Basketball Operations. The length of Stewart's suspension is based in part on his repeated history of unsportsmanlike acts.
Additionally, Pistons forward Ron Holland II, guard Marcus Sasser, Minnesota Timberwolves center-forward Naz Reid and guard Donte DiVincenzo have each been suspended one game without pay for their roles in the on-court altercation.
The incident began when Holland II committed a defensive foul on Reid with 8:36 remaining in the second. quarter of the Timberwolves' 123-104 victory over the Pistons on March 30 at Target Center. Following that foul, Reid pointed at and confronted Holland II. Holland II then pushed DiVincenzo and in response, DiVincenzo escalated the incident by shoving Holland II in the chest.
The two players along with Reid became entangled and fell into the spectator stands. Stewart and Sasser then entered the altercation near the spectator stands and shoved DiVincenzo and Reid, which resulted in a continued escalation of the situation. For their roles, all five players were assessed technical fouls and ejected from the game.
Reid and DiVincenzo will serve their one-game suspensions tonight when the Timberwolves visit the Denver. Nuggets at Ball Arena. Stewart will begin serving his two-game suspension Wednesday when the Pistons visit the Oklahoma City Thunder at Paycom Center. Holland II and Sasser will also serve their one-game suspensions Wednesday night" NBA wrote in their media release.