By ASSOCIATED PRESS
Published: 20:44 EST, 23 February 2026 | Updated: 20:44 EST, 23 February 2026
DETROIT (AP) - Tempers flared in the first half of the San Antonio Spurs- Detroit Pistons game, a matchup of two of the NBA's top teams on Monday night.
Pistons star Cade Cunningham was called for an offensive foul after extending his arms and knocking Spurs guard Stephon Castle down on the court.
Spurs forward Keldon Johnson responded by pushing Cunningham and Pistons center Jalen Duren, who was recently suspended by the league, pointed his right finger in Johnson's face.
After a review, Johnson and Duren were called for technical fouls in the second quarter of the closely contested game.
The NBA suspended center Isaiah Stewart for seven games earlier this month after he left the bench during a fight in Detroit's game at Charlotte, and he was still serving the suspension during San Antonio's visit. Duren was forced to sit for two games for initiating the altercation.
The Pistons have the best record in the Eastern Conference and the Victor Wembanyama -led Spurs trail only the defending champion Oklahoma City Thunder in the Western Conference.
Detroit Pistons guard Cade Cunningham (2) battles San Antonio Spurs guard Stephon Castle (5) for a rebound with Pistons guard Javonte Green (31) helping on the play during the first half of an NBA basketball game Monday, Feb. 23, 2026, in Detroit. (AP Photo/Duane Burleson)
Detroit hosts Oklahoma City on Wednesday night.
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AP NBA: https://apnews.com/NBA
San Antonio Spurs guard De'aaron Fox (4) looks to pass the ball against Detroit Pistons forward Tobias Harris, top right, and forward Duncan Robinson, front left, during the first half of an NBA basketball game Monday, Feb. 23, 2026, in Detroit. (AP Photo/Duane Burleson)
San Antonio Spurs guard Stephon Castle (5) goes to the basket past Detroit Pistons guards Ausar Thompson (9) and Cade Cunningham (2) during the first half of an NBA basketball game Monday, Feb. 23, 2026, in Detroit. (AP Photo/Duane Burleson)