Watch: Moe Wagner and Killian Hayes throw hands at each other during Magic vs Pistons
Moe Wagner and Killian Hayes rocked Little Caesars Arena late in the second quarter of the game between the Orlando Magic and the Detroit Pistons. The two players got into it near the Pistons' bench, triggering memories of an infamous brawl nearly two decades ago.
The fracas started when Wagner body-checked the streaking Hayes into the bench while the latter was aggressively pursuing a loose ball. Hamidou Diallo promptly shoved the Magic forward into the arms of the Pistons players and coaching staff.
Killian Hayes violently got up and went after Moe Wagner. He took a sneak punch to the back of Wagner’s head, which seemingly knocked out the German international.
While there was plenty of shoving and shouting, no other players from opposing teams threw a punch. Several Orlando Magic players rushed to the scene of the commotion, which could mean automatic suspension for those who joined the melee.
The arena announcer, knowing what happened in 2004 between the Pistons and the Indiana Pacers, repeatedly and emphatically told everyone to stay in their seats. While players and coaching staff from both sides were in the middle of the dustup, the fans, fortunately, kept their cool.
Moe Wagner, Killian Hayes and Hamidou Diallo were ejected from the game after officials reviewed the film.
The Orlando Magic could be severely underhanded on Friday when they host the Washington Wizards. Orlando players who went to the Pistons’ bench included Franz Wagner, Mo Bamba, Cole Anthony, Terrence Ross, Wendell Carter Jr. and Terrence Ross.
Since the fracas happened on Detroit’s end of the court, it’s extremely difficult for the NBA to suspend players from their team. Pistons head coach Dwane Casey later told the media that suspensions on his team are highly unlikely. He stressed that none of his players left their bench and tried to escalate the situation.
Franz Wagner, Moe Wagner’s brother, felt like they had no choice but to rush to the Detroit Pistons’ bench
![The Orlando Magic benched rushed to protect Moe Wagner. [photo: Marca]](https://staticg.sportskeeda.com/editor/2022/12/300cc-16723638566695-1920.jpg?w=500)
The Orlando Magic players knew leaving their bench and going to the other end of the floor would likely end in suspension. They just didn't think twice about doing that in that split second.
Franz Wagner had this to say about the bench-clearing incident:
"We're aware of the rule, but things like that usually happen on the court, not on one of the benches. Your worry is that your teammate is down there amongst the whole other team."
Franz Wagner addresses whether Magic players were aware of the rule that says non-participating players will be suspended if they leave the immediate vicinity of their bench during an altercation: https://t.co/RuzDhCauv3
Fortunately, there was no repeat of “The Malice at the Palace” Plenty of fans at Little Caesars Arena may have been there in 2004 when a brawl between the Indiana Pacers and Detroit Pistons went overboard.
During that infamous melee, several fans and players threw punches on the floor and in the stands. This time, the fans only stood, shouted and took videos. It did help that the PA emphatically kept reminding fans not to leave their place.
The game between the Pistons and the Magic went back and forth with runs from both sides early on. Things went sour for Orlando in the second quarter when Detroit grabbed a 39-24 edge.
If healthy, Moe Wagner and Killian Hayes will meet again on February 23 on the Pistons’ home floor.