Things got a little too heated during the Timberwolves vs Pistons matchup on Sunday. While everyone was expecting an intense game with two physical teams playing against each other, an all-out brawl might not have been on everyone’s mind. What started as a minor confrontation between Detroit rookie Ron Holland and Minnesota’s Naz Reid quickly spilled into the stands. Players from both ends joined the fight, and even coaches were involved. Things took an ugly turn when a young fan was caught in the crossfire while sitting in the front row. What happened next?
Obviously, ejections followed, with several players and coaches from both teams being asked to head to the locker room. Peace was restored at last! After five players and two coaches were ejected. Moreover, this game also broke a record that both teams won’t be bragging about anytime soon. That’s because the game recorded the number of technical fouls (12) in an NBA game since 2005. Moreover, this incident has divided fans and analysts alike because some people see this physicality as a great sign for the sport; meanwhile, others expect the NBA to discipline the players and coaches. Some of the heat also spilled over to the set of ‘First Take‘ as analysts Stephen A. Smith, Kendrick Perkins, Shannon Sharpe, and host Molly Qerim got into an ugly argument.
While talking about the Pistons-Wolves Brawl, former NBA star Kendrick Perkins stated that he’s a big fan of the physicality that was on display in the game. Moreover, he stated he wants more teams to follow this instead of swapping jerseys and showing respect. That’s a controversial take, for sure! Stephen A. Smith argued that even though he loves rivalries like this, the league is going to take strict action on what happened at the Target Center on Sunday. Molly Qerim was quick to dismiss Smith and even said “We being hypocritical right now.” Well, media does have double standards in this regard, as analysts are quick to call this era’s players soft because they don’t play with physicality. Meanwhile, when they do, they dismiss it.
Meanwhile, Shannon Shrape has his own say on the matter. “I’m going to take you. You said you don’t believe you can play the game physically without all this other this extracurricular activity.” Sharpe stated, differing from Perkins. He believes games can be made physical by getting into an altercation. After calling out each other, Smith finally expressed what he thought the league was going to say after watching the game. “The league is going to say is that the Knicks versus the Houston Rockets in 1994 was maybe one of the most physical series ever. Yeah, it’s also the lowest TV rating. That’s what they’re going to say; that’s all I’m saying.” Smith stated. It’s a no-brainer that the league is going to punish the players and coaches involved. Now, how they do so remains to be seen. Meanwhile, Timberwolves superstar Anthony Edwards might have a bright idea.
Anthony Edwards gives his reaction to the heated incident vs Pistons
Well, it was a fiery affair between the Detroit Pistons and the Minnesota Timberwolves, and many expected the NBA would soon give its verdict over the incident, imposing some punishment on the players involved. However, Minnesota fans will not have to worry about their infamously notorious superstar Anthony Edwards. That’s because the Minnesota shooting guard wasn’t among the seven players and coaches ejected from the court. In fact, he wasn’t in the picture at that point in time. However, the same cannot be said for his teammates: Naz Reid and Donte DiVincenzo, and assistant coach Pablo Prigoni.
On the other hand, from the Pistons’ side, Ron Holland, Marcus Sasser, Isaiah Stewart, and HC JB Bickerstaff were the ones involved. While the verdict is still in the pipeline, Edwards believes that his teammates should not miss any games, let alone a five or six-game ban. Why? Well, when a reporter asked him about the repercussions his teammates could face, he gave a hilarious answer. “I don’t think they should miss games for that—maybe just some money,” ANT said with a wide smile on his face. But will just fining the players and coaches suffice as punishment?
Asked Anthony Edwards about where the Wolves are at in the standings and potentially playing games with DiVincenzo and/or Reid.
“I don’t think they should miss games for that. Maybe just some money.”
Also a question about the games when he and Randle are helping versus hurting… pic.twitter.com/V2pZlpCJaY
— Dane Moore (@DaneMooreNBA) March 31, 2025
Well, that’s something Adam Silver and the rest of the league will have to figure out. Keeping Smith’s point of the TV ratings going down could be considered by the NBA. If that’s the case, a few game bans to a few players might be on the horizon. While the people want to see teams get physical on the court and battle out on the court, not many would support violence. No one wants the fans sitting in the stands to get hurt, something that unfortunately happened when things got out of hand on Sunday. We’ll have to wait and watch what the league decides as everyone watches the developments closely.
The post ESPN’s Molly Qerim Calls Stephen A. Smith & Co “Hypocrites” During Heated Argument Over Pistons-Timberwolves Ejection Drama appeared first on EssentiallySports.
