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The NBA released a statement indicating the punishment for Killian Hayes and Moritz Wagner for last night's fracas. Several Orlando Magic players have also been suspended for leaving their bench during the altercation.
The incident happened near the end of the first half between the Detroit Pistons and the Magic. Hayes, who was chasing an errant pass, was body-checked by Wagner into the Pistons' bench.
Hamidou Diallo, who was also suspended for one game, pushed Moritz Wagner into Detroit's coaching staff and players. Hayes got back up and took a swing at Wagner, who passed out after the nasty hit.
Players who have been named in the statement will not be paid for the duration of their suspensions.
The NBA has suspended Killian Hayes for three games and meted out a two-game suspension for Moritz Wagner. Eight others from the Orlando Magic will not see action in their next game due to one-game suspensions. Cole Anthony, R.J. Hampton, Gary Harris, Kevon Harris, Admiral Schofield, Franz Wagner, Mo Bamba and Wendell Carter Jr. are out versus the Washington Wizards.
In an NBA postgame conference last night, Franz Wagner, the younger brother of Moritz Wagner, had this to say on their potential punishment:
"We're aware of the rules, but things like that usually happen on the court, not on one of the benches. Your worry is that your teammate is down there amongst the whole other team."
He added that there was an urgency to the Orlando Magic players’ response, despite the likely punishment, because it was his brother that was involved.
The NBA did a great job of preventing the dustup from turning into an all-out brawl
The dustup between Killian Hayes and Moritz Wagner, particularly since Hayes' punch landed in a very sensitive area, could have been so much uglier. Had Wagner not been knocked out cold and defenseless, things could have escalated further.
For a few minutes, it looked like it was going to be an all-out brawl between opposing teams. The sight of the Orlando Magic players racing to help Wagner was ominous. However, cooler heads from NBA officials and the respective teams kept the melee from becoming a free-for-all.
As much as there was shoving, shouting and trash-talking, there was also considerable restraint. Nearly two decades ago, Detroit was the site of one of the NBA’s most embarrassing and scandalous brawls.
Last night’s scuffle could not have been prevented but it did not result in more suspensions and fines. The Detroit Pistons PA announcer must receive credit for emphatically telling the fans to remain in their seats.
The Orlando Magic and the Detroit Pistons will square off again on January 23 at Little Caesars Palace.
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