NBA Game Sees Seven Ejections in Timberwolves-Pistons Clash

A heated clash during Sunday’s Minnesota Timberwolves-Detroit Pistons game resulted in the ejection of seven individuals, including five players and two coaches. The incident occurred in the second quarter at the Target Center in Minneapolis.

Detroit’s head coach JB Bickerstaff, center Isaiah Stewart, forward Ron Holland II, and guard Marcus Sasser were ejected. For Minnesota, forward Naz Reid, guard Donte DiVincenzo, and assistant coach Pablo Prigioni were also tossed from the game.

With Detroit leading 39-30 and roughly eight minutes remaining before halftime, Holland fouled Reid as he drove to the basket. Reid responded by pointing a finger at Holland, prompting DiVincenzo to step between them. A scuffle ensued, eventually spilling into the first row of spectators behind the basket. Officials and security intervened to restore order and issue the ejections.

Despite the altercation, the Timberwolves went on to win the game 123-104.

Post-game, Coach Bickerstaff defended his team’s actions, stating they were “looking out for one another” and “trying to protect one another.” While acknowledging the situation “went too far,” he emphasized that supporting teammates is a “non-negotiable” aspect of their team culture. He also noted the team’s frustration with both the incident and the subsequent loss.

Minnesota’s head coach Chris Finch labeled the situation “dangerous” and attributed the escalation to the Pistons’ physicality throughout the game. He felt the skirmish was “bound to happen” given the game’s intensity, describing the Pistons as a “super physical team” who “hit you, they hold you.” While Bickerstaff mentioned “things said” by Minnesota’s assistant coach, Finch questioned Prigioni’s ejection but suggested the altercation served as a “pressure release” for the game’s tension.

Following the victory, Minnesota improved their record to 43-32, placing them 7th in the Western Conference standings. The Timberwolves are scheduled to play the Denver Nuggets on Tuesday, while the Pistons will travel to face the Oklahoma City Thunder on Wednesday.
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