Charlotte Hornets forward Moussa Diabaté (14) and guard/forward Kon Knueppel (7) and guard LaMelo Ball (1) get a break during the second quarter against the Detroit Pistons at Spectrum Center. Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images

Four players ejected after altercation between Pistons, Hornets

By Olamilekan Ajayi | Last updated Feb 9, 2026 9:57 PM ET

A heated confrontation between the Detroit Pistons and Charlotte Hornets escalated into a physical altercation Monday night, resulting in four ejections.

Hornets forward Miles Bridges and center Moussa Diabate were thrown out alongside Detroit Pistons center Jalen Duren and forward Isaiah Stewart.

The incident occurred with 7:09 remaining in the third quarter at Spectrum Center. Detroit held a 70-62 advantage when things spiraled out of control.

Duren was driving toward the basket when Diabate fouled him. The two centers went head-to-head and appeared to butt heads. Duren then struck Diabate in the face with an open right hand.

Diabate responded aggressively, attempting to reach Duren multiple times while being restrained by Pistons forward Tobias Harris.

He threw punches at Duren during the scuffle. The confrontation lasted more than 30 seconds, according to ESPN's broadcast.

BENCHES CLEAR IN PISTONS-HORNETS

Moussa Diabate, Miles Bridges, Jalen Duren and Isaiah Stewart were all ejected following the altercation during Pistons-Hornets. pic.twitter.com/VeNSi6vEBR
— ESPN (@espn) February 10, 2026

Bridges charged at Duren and threw a left-handed punch. Duren retaliated. Stewart left the Pistons bench to confront Bridges, which violates NBA rules. The two exchanged punches before officials and teammates separated them.

Hornets' winning streak meets East leaders in physical matchup

The game featured two teams heading in opposite directions. Charlotte entered riding a nine-game winning streak, the longest active streak in the NBA. The Hornets improved to 25-28 and climbed into playoff contention.

Detroit came in with a 38-13 record and the best mark in the Eastern Conference. The Pistons earned their 39th win of the season after beating the Hornets 110-104.

Before the game, Diabate spoke about matching Detroit's physicality. He told reporters the Hornets needed to be physical and run the Pistons off the court.

Isaiah Stewart's history of discipline could lead to suspension

Stewart faces potential supplemental discipline given his track record. The NBA suspended him one game and fined him $50,000 in January 2025 for accumulating flagrant foul points and making inappropriate gestures.

He received a two-game suspension in April 2025 following a Pistons-Timberwolves altercation. The NBA cited his repeated history of unsportsmanlike acts when assigning that penalty.

Bridges also has a past discipline on his record. He served a 10-game suspension at the start of the 2023-24 season. All four players will likely face fines and possible suspensions pending league review.

League officials will determine whether additional games or fines are warranted beyond the ejections.

Olamilekan Ajayi

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