It wasn’t quite the “Malice at the Palace,” but what transpired Wednesday night between the Orlando Magic and Detroit Pistons was ugly. The chaos started near the end of the second quarter. Magic forward Moe Wagner shoved Pistons guard Killian Hayes into the bench as the two chased a loose ball.
Hamidou Diallo then shoved Wagner in the back before Hayes retaliated by punching Wagner in the back of his head. It appeared Wagner lost consciousness after Hayes’ punch. Magic players intervened, separating Wagner from the host of Pistons players on the bench.
Moe Wagner appeared wobbly once he got pulled away. As the officials sorted out the situation, the Pistons’ PA announcer encouraged fans to remain in their seats.
Immediately, thoughts flashed back to the “Malice in the Palace” that occurred on November 19, 2004, at the Pistons’ old arena, the Palace in Auburn Hills.
Fortunately, the melee Wednesday night didn’t involve fans. Wagner, Diallo, and Hayes got ejected from the game. Presumably, the NBA will review the situation before handing out additional discipline for all involved.
