The Orlando Magic and Indiana Pacers are gaining traction for their recent brawl a lot more than they have for their game. Wednesday saw the two sides clashing after a contest for a wayward pass. Less than a minute before the half, the Pacers were leading by a wide margin. When Killian Hayes attempted to reach a pass going to Magic’s backcourt.
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Moe Wagner, knowing it would be a foul if he touched the ball instead rammed into Hayes who went flying into the Pacers’ bench. Indiana players immediately jumped on Moe and soon 8 more Orlando players joined the scuffle. Things turned even more heated after Hayes elbowed Moe in the back of his head.
Wagner seemed to lose consciousness as he slumped over Indiana Players. Refs immediately ejected Killian Hayes, Moe Wagner, and Hamadou Diallo from the game.
In the post conference, Indiana head coach demanded an explanation on the why the Orlando players left their bench. The NBA has definitely come out with an explanation and a punishment. Unfortunately for the Magic, it involves 9 of their squad members.
9 Orlando Magic players suspended
18 years ago, the Indiana Pacers were in a brawl that has been immortalized for its nastiness. Fortunately, the brawl yesterday wasn’t even close to the viciousness this franchise has witnessed in the past. In fact, one might even say that they got off easy. After all, Killian Hayes did indeed strike Moe Wagner while surrounded by Pacers players. Hayes will serve a three-game suspension for the blow.
On the other hand, Orlando Magic were not spared by the NBA for breaking a rule created to stop extreme escalation. The official rule number 12 states that if 5 or more players leave the bench, they will most definitely face suspension. In Orlando’s case, the count was 8.
Franz Wagner, Wendell Carter Jr, Cole Anthony, Gary Harris, Mo Bamba, Terrence Ross, R.J. Hampton, and Admiral Schofield were all handed 1 game suspensions. Meanwhile, Moe Wagner was handed a 2-game suspension.
Pistons-Magic discipline:
– Killian Hayes: 3-game suspension
– Moe Wagner: 2-game suspension
– Hamidou Diallo: 1-game suspension
– 1-game suspension to eight Magic: Cole Anthony, Mo Bamba, Wendell Carter Jr., RJ Hampton, Gary Harris, Kevon Harris, Franz Wagner, Admiral Schofield— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) December 30, 2022
Orlando players will serve staggered suspensions
Luckily, all Orlando players will not serve the suspensions at the same time. Due to the league’s rule of allowing enough healthy players for a team to play, the 8 players, apart from the 6ft 11″ center Moe will serve staggered suspensions.
Even then, the absence of so many players will surely impact the team who are set to play the Washington Wizards on Friday and then the Oklahoma City Thunder.
