The Minnesota Timberwolves and Detroit Pistons in a costly brawl that spilled into the crowd with 9:29 on the clock in the second quarter. It started with Ron Holland fouling Naz Reid, which then escalated into multiple players going at each other and both teams' coaches getting involved.
Five players were ejected, which were Holland, Reid, Donte DiVincenzo, Marcus Sasser, and Isaiah Stewart. Pistons head coach J.B. Bickerstaff and Timberwolves assistant coach Pablo Prigioni were also ejected.
At the time of the brawl, the Pistons had a 39-29 lead over the Timberwolves. Most people would think losing two vital players like Reid and DiVincenzo would hurt the team. However, Minnesota used that as the fuel to fire them up and come back to win the game in dominant fashion, 123 to 104.
Julius Randle led the way with 26 points, while Anthony Edwards had a 25-point night with 22 second-half points. This was a spectacular performance from the Timberwolves, even after such a huge event in the game.
A fight breaks out between the Pistons and Timberwolves
Donte DiVincenzo, Naz Reid, Ron Holland, Isaiah Stewart, Marcus Sasser, Pistons HC J. B. Bickerstaff and Wolves assistant coach Pablo Prigioni were all ejected pic.twitter.com/TJA3OczOxB
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) March 31, 2025
Related: Timberwolves-Pistons Brawl Leads To Seven Total Ejections
The Timberwolves Had To Play For Their Teammates
Due to Reid and DiVincenzo's ejections, the Timberwolves were shorthanded for most of the game against Detroit. That inspired the rest of the team to play with more heart and energy.
Randle and Edwards were the standouts on offense, but Rudy Gobert had another phenomenal game. The four-time Defensive Player of the Year had 19 points, 25 rebounds, and a block to help Minnesota get the win.
Mike Conley Jr. deserves some flowers for his throwback performance, scoring 17 points on an efficient 55.6% from the field. Their performances show the Timberwolves had to refocus and lock back in after the brawl, which led to one of the best performances of the season.
"I mean if we gonna fight, let's fight then. They out, we out, it's time to fight. We can't throw punches, let's throw punches on the court within the game, that's how me and Julius took it," Ant said after the game.
Coach Finch Was Unhappy With The Game's Physicality
Timberwolves head coach Chris Finch had a good vantage point for the brawl as he watched from the sidelines. After a quarter, he already knew the game would be physical.
Minnesota has struggled against physical teams, and Detroit wanted to take advantage of that. With players like Isaiah Stewart and Ron Holland, they have some strong defenders in the lineup. Unfortunately, it became too much, which led to the brawl.
"Two guys went at it and spilled into the crowd, which is super dangerous. Obviously, it kept escalating, mostly from their side to be honest with you," Finch said in his post-game presser. "I thought leading up to that, the game was way too physical. A little lopsided in its physicality, and I thought it was bound to happen. It just felt like it was coming."
It was good that Finch expected what would happen with the level of physicality in the game. He guided the team to lock in and play for their ejected teammates. Of course, he did not like the brawl, but he led the team well and helped them dominate the game.
Now, they will wait for the sanctions against Reid, DiVincenzo, and even assistant coach Prigioni. Suspensions are expected, but Edwards believes they do not deserve that kind of punishment.
Asked Anthony Edwards about where the Wolves are at in the standings and potentially playing games with DiVincenzo and/or Reid.
"I don't think they should miss games for that. Maybe just some money."
Also a question about the games when he and Randle are helping versus hurting… pic.twitter.com/V2pZlpCJaY
— Dane Moore (@DaneMooreNBA) March 31, 2025
The Timberwolves need every break they can get because the race for the sixth seed continues to rage on. The Clippers and Warriors are working hard for an automatic Playoff berth.
Related: Finch Believes The Timberwolves Need To Improve Their Mentality
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This story was originally published March 30, 2025 at 11:44 PM.