Hornets and Pistons Clash Leads to Ejections: Stewart, Bridges, Duren Expelled
In a dramatic NBA matchup on February 9, 2026, the Charlotte Hornets faced off against the Detroit Pistons. The game turned chaotic in the third quarter, leading to multiple player ejections. Key players involved included Isaiah Stewart, Miles Bridges, and Jalen Duren.
Hornets-Pistons Clash Sparks Controversy
The incident occurred with 7:09 left in the third quarter. At that time, Detroit led 70-62, when Jalen Duren drove aggressively to the hoop. Charlotte’s Moussa Diabaté attempted to stop him with a hard foul. This set the stage for escalating tensions on the court.
Escalation of Tempers
Typically, such fouls might lead to a brief exchange of words. However, with known volatile players involved, the situation quickly escalated. Jalen Duren and Moussa Diabaté were the first to engage physically. Moments later, Miles Bridges decided to jump into the fray, aiming a punch at Duren.
From the bench, Isaiah Stewart, known for his explosive temperament, charged onto the court despite not playing in the game. Stewart, who had a history of on-court incidents, targeted Bridges and began throwing punches. The unexpected entrance of Stewart heightened the chaos in what turned into an unexpected brawl.
Aftermath and Repercussions
The confrontation drew the attention of coaches and security as they rushed to intervene. Eventually, the officials took decisive action. Four players were ejected from the game:
- Jalen Duren (Detroit Pistons)
- Isaiah Stewart (Detroit Pistons)
- Moussa Diabaté (Charlotte Hornets)
- Miles Bridges (Charlotte Hornets)
Following the incident, the NBA is expected to review the events and may impose suspensions, particularly for Stewart’s decision to leave the bench. This fierce altercation highlights the competitive spirit within the Eastern Conference, proving that despite a narrative of a softer league, players still exhibit intense rivalries.
