In an extremely tense NBA game, Sunday evening at Minneapolis’s Target Center, the Minnesota Timberwolves won 123-104 over the Detroit Pistons. The game was overshadowed by an altercation in the second quarter that led to the ejection of seven players and coaches.
The Timberwolves staged their comeback through Julius Randle and Anthony Edwards, who combined for 51 total points, while Julius Randle added 26 and Anthony Edwards 25 points. Rudy Gobert also contributed with 19 points and a new season record with 25 rebounds. Pistons Malik Beasley scored 27 points, Tim Hardaway Jr. scored 20 points, and center Jalen Duren provided 13 points.
Brawl Erupts Leading to Multiple Ejections
The fight occurred with about eight minutes remaining before halftime. During the game, Ron Holland II, a Pistons guard, delivered an aggressive foul against Naz Reid of the Timberwolves while Reid shot for a layup. Reid confronted Holland, and this led to a physical struggle.
The confrontation escalated after Timberwolves Donte DiVincenzo joined the fight, which involved multiple coaches and members of both rosters. Fans and the fighting participants took the argument off the court, which created chaos among spectators, and a video operator was knocked down during the incident.
A fight breaks out between the Pistons and Timberwolves
Donte DiVincenzo, Naz Reid, Ron Holland, Isaiah Stewart, Marcus Sasser, Pistons HC J. B. Bickerstaff and Wolves assistant coach Pablo Prigioni were all ejected pic.twitter.com/TJA3OczOxB
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) March 31, 2025
As a result of the brawl, the following individuals were ejected:
- Minnesota Timberwolves: Naz Reid, Donte DiVincenzo, and assistant coach Pablo Prigioni.
- Detroit Pistons: Ron Holland II, Isaiah Stewart, Marcus Sasser, and head coach J.B. Bickerstaff.
🚨PISTONS VS. WOLVES FIGHT🚨
— Hoop Central (@TheHoopCentral) March 30, 2025
When this incident happened, the Pistons held a 39-30 lead. Detroit suffered a blow following the brawl, losing key contributors Stewart and Holland, while Bickerstaff, Minnesota’s head coach, hit the locker room early.
CHAOS. 🍿
pic.twitter.com/bA8tg2x6Rv https://t.co/UHnZCWxrXJ
— Hoop Central (@TheHoopCentral) March 31, 2025
Fans React to On-Court Chaos
The brawl ignited a flurry of reactions from fans across various platforms. Many expressed disbelief and concern over the escalation, questioning the players’ conduct during the incident. One fan remarked, “Naz Reid mad for no reason. Wasn’t even a hard foul.”
🚨PISTONS VS. WOLVES FIGHT🚨
— Hoop Central (@TheHoopCentral) March 30, 2025
One fan exclaimed, “WOWWWW THE BAD BOY PISTONS ARE BACK,” referencing the team’s notorious 1980s reputation for physical play.
WOWWWW THE BAD BOY PISTONS ARE BACK
— 𝕱𝖊𝖗𝖗𝖊𝖙 𝖆𝖑𝖑𝖊𝖓 (@ferretallen) March 31, 2025
The league is expected to review the incident thoroughly, potentially leading to further disciplinary actions. This altercation and the resulting ejections could have significant implications for both teams as they strive for playoff positioning in the Eastern Conference.