Detroit Pistons guard Ausar Thompson (9) during player introductions before the game against the Cleveland Cavaliers during game five of the second round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Little Caesars Arena.
Credit: Rick Osentoski-Imagn Images
The Detroit Pistons and Washington Wizards faced off in a preseason game at Capital One Arena that brought out fiery emotions from both sides, including recent contract signee Ausar Thompson. Pistons big man Paul Reed and optimistic Wizards forward Kyshawn George became tied up and fought for the ball, leading to a scuffle that also brought Anthony Davis into the action.
Video of the fracas was viewed thousands of times as of the night of Saturday, October 10 as both teams went at it on the hardwood.
Preseason scuffle π³
Ausar Thompson, Anthony Davis, Kyshawn George, and Paul Reed all got into it after this play. pic.twitter.com/mPQ8XcuESo
β ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) October 11, 2026
βIt ain't that serious fellas relax,β one fan said response.
βIf this was Amen (Thompson) this confrontation goes a lot less smoothly,β another added.
The Wizards jumped out to a 56-50 halftime lead after both teams entered the game with 1-0 preseason records. Duncan Robinson, Daniss Jenkins, Kevin Huerter and Paul Reed were Detroit's double figure scorers while George, rookie first overall pick AJ Dybantsa, Davis and Tre Johnson led the way for the Wizards.
Dybantsa, the former BYU Cougar, had 14 points on 4-10 shooting including six made free throws headed down the stretch of the fourth quarter.
The Pistons are known for enticing other teams into scuffles, and their second preseason game was no difference, even with enforcer Isaiah Stewart now with the Memphis Grizzlies. Detroit's big man, Reed, fought for position with George and didn't back down. The physical battle set the tone for what was a competitive game between two talented NBA teams, both of whom have big plans for the 2026-27 NBA season.