The Detroit Pistons went into the Target Center in Minneapolis on Sunday night and lost to coach Chris Finch's team by the score of 123-104, with Cade Cunningham watching in street clothes yet again.
The Pistons' loss didn't come without fireworks as Detroit's players became caught up in a brawl with Timberwolves players during the contest, leading social media and sports pundits to react with candor across the country.
Among them was former ESPN personality and NBA book author Bill Simmons, who couldn't help but reveal a four-word proclamation on the Pistons' franchise after the surprising skirmish.
"Beef Stew and Ron Holland being involved in a semi-brawl in Minnesota was the lock of the year," Simmons wrote in an X post.
"The Bad Boys are back!"
Beef Stew and Ron Holland being involved in a semi-brawl in Minnesota was the lock of the year. The Bad Boys are back!
— Bill Simmons (@BillSimmons) March 31, 2025
Pistons/TWolves gets heated!!#DetroitBasketball#BringTheNicepic.twitter.com/wM0uwUUBGx
— SportsGrid (@SportsGrid) March 31, 2025
The Pistons have now been involved in several scuffles throughout the season. Isaiah Stewart's constant presence in the middle of these scuffles has not been lost on NBA fans, who view him as the team's newest enforcer.
Detroit has shown a willingness to refuse to back down to other teams both physically and on the scoreboard which has helped the franchise to restore and recover its 'Bad Boys' mentality headed toward the NBA playoffs.
Detroit could face last year's Eastern Conference semifinalist the New York Knicks or another talented team in the first round, adding to the sense of urgency for coach JB Bickerstaff's team to round into playoff form as soon as humanly possible.
On Sunday, that mission included the Pistons showing their teeth against a Timberwolves squad that wasn't afraid to mix it up on the hardwood vs. Detroit.
Related: JB Bickerstaff Updates Cade Cunningham Injury Situation After Pistons Win Over Cavaliers
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This story was originally published March 31, 2025 at 8:44 PM.