The Minnesota Timberwolves and Detroit Pistons‘ brawl at the Target Center in Minneapolis, Minn., sent shockwaves through the NBA with its resulting seven ejections.
Suspensions are likely incoming for several players involved, including Timberwolves star Donte DiVincenzo.
In what was a physical game from wire-to-wire, Pistons rookie Ron Holland II fouled Wolves big Naz Reid on a drive to the basket early in the second quarter.
According to The Athletic’s Jon Krawcyznski, Holland “appeared to say something to Reid, who turned around and started waving his finger at Holland. That sparked even more of a verbal back-and-forth between the two.”
That’s when DiVincenzo stepped in, sparking the already-smoldering feud between the two teams. DiVincenzo grabbed Holland by his jersey and spun him into the crowd as the two became tangled and fell into the first row of seats.
Based on past incidents this season, suspension seems likely for DiVincenzo — and the number of games he may miss could be significant in the Wolves’ final seven games of the season.
Considering the NBA’s treatment of similar incidents, DiVincenzo could be suspended for anywhere from a single game to four games.
In December, Dallas Mavericks forward Naji Marshall was suspended four games and Phoenix Suns center Jusuf Nurkic was suspended three for a similar on-court altercation. Nurkic instigated the fight, swatting at Marshall’s head, provoking Marshall to throw a punch that hit Nurkic in the face.
Houston Rockets forward Amen Thompson was suspended two games for throwing Miami Heat guard Tyler Herro to the ground during a shoving match — a situation that’s more akin to what happened Sunday night.
Timberwolves guard Donte DiVincenzo
Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images
DiVincenzo is more fitting of the instigator, but his actions weren’t as malicious compared to Pistons forward Isaiah Stewart, who attempted to put Reid in a chokehold during the brawl.
Stewart and DiVincenzo are likely to face the harshest punishment after Sunday night’s brawl.
Several other suspensions could be handed down for every person ejected in the game: Timberwolves coach Chris Finch, Pistons coach J.B. Bickerstaff, guard Marcus Sasser, Holland, Stewart, Reid and DiVincenzo.
