Pistons-Magic brawl results in three players being ejected

DETROIT — Orlando’s Moritz Wagner appeared to be knocked out briefly by a punch to the back of the head after starting a first-half brawl against the Pistons that led to three ejections on Wednesday night in a scene that brought back memories of an ugly brawl in near Detroit 18 years ago

Wagner was ejected for a flagrant foul, while Detroit’s Killian Hayes i Hamidou Diallo they were ejected for their actions during the ensuing brawl in front of the Pistons bench.

With 34 seconds left in the first half, Wagner and Hayes chased down an errant Magic pass in the backcourt. Wagner knew Orlando would be called for a lane violation as soon as he hit him, and as he slowed to let him out of bounds, Hayes tried to pass him.

Wagner benched Hayes in Detroit, starting a brawl that involved every player on both teams.

Hayes got up and swung his right arm around and hit Wagner, who collapsed and appeared unconscious.

In 2004, a fight between the Pistons and Indiana Pacers became forever known as “The Malice at the Palace” after fans got involved in the wild melee.

Numerous Magic players could be penalized for leaving the bench area. Franz Wagner, Cole Anthony, Wendell Carter Jr, Gary Harris, I’m Bamba, RJ Hampton, Terrence Ross i Admiral Schofield they were the players off when Orlando’s bench was emptied.

The Pistons won 121-101.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.