Moussa Diabaté at the center of a bench-clearing brawl between Detroit and Charlotte, four players ejected
Feb 9, 2026; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Charlotte Hornets guard LaMelo Ball (1) and forward Grant Williams (2) after a thee point play against the Detroit Pistons during the second half at Spectrum Center. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images
A full-scale brawl erupted during the third quarter of Monday night’s game between the Detroit Pistons and the Charlotte Hornets, leading to the ejection of four players and marking the end of the Hornets’ nine-game winning streak. The Pistons ultimately won 110-104 in a highly tense game at the Spectrum Center.
The spark that ignited the powder keg
It all started with just over seven minutes remaining in the third quarter, as Detroit led 70-62. Jalen Duren of the Pistons was attacking the basket when he was fouled by Moussa Diabaté of the Hornets. The two players came face to face and exchanged words, before Duren pushed Diabaté in the face with his open hand.
This action triggered a confrontation that lasted more than 30 seconds. Diabaté, held back by Tobias Harris of the Pistons, attempted to strike Duren. When Duren moved away, Miles Bridges charged at him, landing a punch. Duren responded with a punch of his own. Isaiah Stewart, who wasn’t even on the court at that moment, left the bench to go after Bridges, who also responded
This is UNBELIEVABLE camera work. Even got the quick pan to Stew & Bridges
Shoutout @Jellis1016pic.twitter.com/tGlUiZ2KMh
— Ryan Hammer🔨 (@ryanhammer09) February 10, 2026
Suspensions and expected financial consequences
In the end, Moussa Diabaté, Miles Bridges, Jalen Duren and Isaiah Stewart were all ejected from the game. Hornets coach Charles Lee was also ejected in the fourth quarter after having to be restrained by his assistants while protesting the officiating following an offensive foul called against Grant Williams.
The NBA is expected to hand down suspensions and fines in the coming days, particularly for Isaiah Stewart who left the bench to participate in the altercation – a serious violation of league rules that automatically results in at least a one-game suspension and a $50,000 fine.
Cade Cunningham led the Pistons to victory with 33 points and nine rebounds, while Brandon Miller scored 24 points for Charlotte. This defeat ends an impressive streak for the Hornets, who hadn’t experienced such a winning streak in 27 years. The two teams will meet again on April 10, and this brawl will certainly serve as a backdrop to their next matchup.
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