The NBA saw a moment of madness last night when Detroit Pistons guard Killian Hayes appeared to knock out Orlando Magic center Mo Wagner during a heated altercation.
Killian Hayes just knocked out Mo Wagner pic.twitter.com/eyRLfMfDm2
— Barstool Sports (@barstoolsports) December 29, 2022
Both players were vying for a fumble late in the second quarter, when Wagner shoved Hayes onto the Pistons’ bench, and the younger Hayes soon retaliated, hitting the Magic forward in the back of the head, as the Detroit bench challenged him. .
Wagner appeared to lose consciousness after the hit and fell forward on the Pistons’ bench, as players from both teams got involved and eventually parted ways.
Both players were ejected following the incident, while Pistons guard Hamidou Diallo was also ejected after shoving Wagner during the altercation.
The incident has sparked much debate and reaction on NBA Twitter, with many suggesting that Hayes could face an extended ban.
Killian Hayes won’t see a basketball court again for a long time
— Silas P. Silas (@KennySpenceNBA) December 29, 2022
NBA officials will surely take a good look at the incident to decide what’s next for both players after the heated altercation.
Blatant 2 over Moe Wagner. He is expelled.
Technical foul and expulsions of Killian Hayes and Hamidou Diallo.
The NBA will definitely review the tape and we’ll end up with suspensions for more guys after this.
— Keith Smith (@KeithSmithNBA) December 29, 2022
Punching the back of the head is serious business, something that is prohibited in most combat sports.
People who say 5 games max don’t understand how dangerous a punch to the back of the head can be!
Severe punishment is needed to make sure we don’t see another Kermit Washington situation.
– DBG (@DBGyt_) December 29, 2022
The Pistons won the game 121-101, in just their ninth win of the season, yet the score is likely to be the least talked about after the controversy-filled game.
