Detroit Pistons forward-center Isaiah Stewart will miss seven games after leaving the bench and participating in an on-court fight, the NBA announced Wednesday. His punishment reflects a pattern of previous unsportsmanlike conduct, according to James Jones, Executive Vice President and Head of Basketball Operations.
Charlotte Hornets forwards Miles Bridges and Moussa Diabate each received four-game suspensions for their roles in escalating the altercation. Pistons center Jalen Duren drew a two-game ban for starting the incident.
The confrontation occurred with 7:09 left in the third quarter of Detroit’s 110-104 road victory on February 9 at Spectrum Center. Diabate’s defensive foul on Duren triggered the sequence that led to the brawl.
All four players received technical fouls and ejections during the game. League officials reviewed the incident before determining the suspension lengths.
Stewart’s seven-game penalty exceeds those handed to the other participants due to his disciplinary record. The league cited his history of unsportsmanlike behavior as a factor in the extended punishment.
The suspensions take effect immediately. Stewart and Duren will sit out Thursday when Detroit visits the Toronto Raptors at Scotiabank Arena. Bridges and Diabate begin serving their penalties Thursday as Charlotte hosts the Atlanta Hawks at home.