3 ugliest fights in the 2022-23 NBA season so far feat. Donovan Mitchell-Dillon Brooks, 5-man brawl at Magic-Wolves, and more
Basketball fans couldn’t wait for the 2022-23 NBA season to start for several reasons. Arguably the biggest headlines were the LA Lakers’ redemption season, the Brooklyn Nets’ endless drama and the Golden State Warriors’ title-repeat bid.
All three teams are working towards a favorable ending to their respective storylines with the season nearing the All-Star break. Along the way, there have also been a few incidents that have only ramped up the excitement of basketball fans.
There have already been at least three ugly fights that have caused a media storm, particularly for diehard NBA followers. Here is a list of those unfortunate dustups:
#3 Dillon Brooks-Donovan Mitchell, February 2, 2023
Dillon Brooks has gained an unsavory reputation for being a dirty player. He was lambasted on social media last season for his hit on Gary Payton II, which caused the guard to fall and fracture his elbow.
A few days ago, he was back at it. This time, it was NBA superstar Donovan Mitchell who was on the receiving end of a cheap shot.
The incident took place in the third quarter of the Cleveland Cavaliers' game against the Memphis Grizzlies. Brooks drove to the basket where he was challenged by Evan Mobley after getting past Mitchell. The feisty Memphis guard fell to the floor, rolled towards “Spida” and deliberately hit his groin.
Mitchell responded by slamming the ball at Dillon Brooks before wrestling him to the ground. They were the only players ejected in that game, with the NBA handing out a one-game suspension against Brooks. Mitchell was fined $20,000 for retaliating.
#2 Killian Hayes-Moe Wagner, December 28, 2022
With barely 30 seconds remaining in the game between the Orlando Magic and the Detroit Pistons, a scuffle happened between Killian Hayes and Moe Wagner. Both players were chasing an errant pass with Wagner just slightly ahead of Hayes.
The Magic backup center looked like he was allowing the ball to roll out when he suddenly saw the Pistons guard racing to get it. Wagner suddenly sidestepped and pushed Hayes straight to Detroit’s bench.
Hamidou Diallo rushed to the scene and pushed Wagner, who fell into the hands of the Pistons’ coaching staff. Hayes got back up and took a sneaky punch at Wagner’s nape who momentarily collapsed after the shot.
The scene was very reminiscent of the NBA’s ugliest brawl involving the Detroit Pistons and the Indiana Pacers in 2004. Detroit’s PA desperately and strongly instructed the fans to stay in their seats to avoid things from escalating.
The NBA handed out suspensions and fines to 11 players involved in the melee.
#1 Austin Rivers-Mo Bamba, February 3, 2023
The Orlando Magic have been trolled on social media for their recent involvement in two of the ugliest brawls in the NBA this season. Just a few hours ago, they were back in the headlines again.
Orlando’s Mo Bamba and the Minnesota Timberwolves Austin Rivers exchanged punches in the third quarter of their game. The whole incident probably started as Bamba and Markelle Fultz were talking trash to Rivers after the guard missed a three-point shot.
Rivers had no qualms about confronting Bamba on the Magic bench, which prompted the fracas. Bamba tried to bear-hug Rivers, who ducked and threw a few punches. Bamba eventually got to retaliate before the Timberwolves guard was taken down by Jalen Suggs.
Five players, Rivers, Bamba, Suggs, Taurean Prince and Jaden McDaniels, have all been ejected. It remains to be seen how many of them will be suspended and how much will they be individually fined for their respective roles.