Things got out of control in the last game between the Pistons and the Timberwolves. A fight led to the suspension of players like Isaiah Stewart, something that basketball legend Shaquille O’Neal does not seem to agree with.
In a contact sport like this, it is normal to see some heated encounters. However, physical aggression is prohibited and results in NBA sanctions. This is not the first time it has happened, but it continues to spark mixed opinions among experts and fans.
Maybe the fight wasn’t that serious for O’Neal
On TNT’s show, Adam Lefkoe mentioned the altercation between the Pistons and the Timberwolves. He asked Shaquille O’Neal about the style of play in the ’90s, which was more physical than today, and compared it to the recent fight.
O’Neal responded: “That wasn’t a fight. It was just a pushing match. It’s simply competitive. Listen, I love the way Stewart plays. He reminds me of Charles Oakley, Richie Evans… Guys who were undersized but never backed down.”
Regarding the suspension of players like Stewart, O’Neal stated: “That’s not a fight. Enough.” Even though his comments about Stewart were positive, he seemed to disagree with the suspension. However, he did not express it openly.
Meanwhile, Stewart’s teammate Dennis Schroder showed his support. He even posted an Instagram story with a video of Stewart leaving the game.
Former Detroit Pistons player Isiah Thomas also backed Stewart, saying on the Great Time Show, “You can’t come back, hold a press conference, and say that all Detroit guys are too physical—that’s just how they play.”
The NBA suspended Stewart for two games, while four other players received one-game suspensions. “Obviously, things went too far. But what you see is men looking out for each other, protecting each other, having each other’s backs… Those things are non-negotiable in our locker room,” said Detroit coach J.B. Bickerstaff.
