The Detroit Pistons had an impressive road win in Charlotte on Monday against the hottest team in the NBA, the Charlotte Hornets.
Following a 38-point blowout against the Knicks, this was certainly a statement victory for the Pistons. Detroit's performance, however, was overshadowed by the third-quarter brawl, in which multiple players were ejected from the game. It also filled Pistons fans with anxiety as they awaited incoming suspensions for Isaiah Stewart and Jalen Duren in the last 36 hours.
It turns out, both Stewart and Duren got off easy. ESPN's Shams Charania reported Wednesday morning that the league was suspending Stewart for seven games and Duren for two. Miles Bridges and Moussa Diabate, on the other hand, received four games apiece.
NBA Hands Pistons' Isaiah Stewart, Jalen Duren Light Suspensions
Since it wasn't Stewart's first involvement in a brawl, fans were understandably fearing the worst. He was also on the bench when the tensions flared. Clearing the bench to get involved in a fight is considered a red line by the league. That is why he ended up getting suspended for seven games, but it could have certainly been worse.
Duren's suspension is more in line with what could have been expected. On the surface, his pushing Diabate's face with his hand may not seem enough to justify a two-game suspension, but since it was the first physical altercation that led to the rest of the brawl, it is understandable.
Even though the Pistons avoided the worst, they are still left severely short-handed in the frontcourt. Paul Reed will get the start at center and play as many minutes as he can handle. Tolu Smith and Isaac Jones, who are on two-way contracts, will likely play a role off the bench, at least for the next two games until Duren gets back.
The Pistons play the Toronto Raptors on Wednesday before heading to the All-Star break. They will have seven days off before facing the Knicks in New York. Without Duren and Stewart, both games will be an uphill battle for Detroit. Yet, this group has shown time and time again this season that they can win any game, regardless of their absences.
Once Duren returns, the Pistons should have enough center depth between Reed and him to weather the storm. It's a good thing that Detroit has managed to build a 5.5-game lead over the No. 2-seeded Celtics in the Eastern Conference. This cushion will help them maintain a pole position in the last 30 games of the season.