DENVER – The NBA suspended center Naz Reid and guard Donte DiVincenzo each for one game following an altercation between Timberwolves players and multiple members of the Pistons in Sunday’s win over Detroit.
The two missed Tuesday’s game at Denver as the Wolves began a five-game road trip.
“Somewhat expected,” coach Chris Finch said before Tuesday’s game. “Glad we were able to get news of it early enough so we can plan, adjust and move on.”
For the Pistons, center Isaiah Stewart was suspended two games while forward Ronald Holland II and guard Marcus Sasser were each suspended one game.
The dust-up began in the second quarter, when Holland fouled Reid with 8 minutes, 36 seconds remaining, and Reid pointed at and confronted Holland following the play. DiVincenzo then shoved Holland, which the NBA said escalated the incident, and the scuffle spilled into the stands nearby when the players became entangled.
DiVincenzo and Reid both fell as Sasser and Stewart entered the fray. Players, staff and security then tried to break it up.
“It’s the cost of doing business right now, really,” Finch said. “We’re not disappointed [in them]. We’re disappointed obviously they’re not going to be with us tonight. But it’s part of the landscape of the game.
“… A lot of teams are playing for a lot of things right now, so there could always be a tipping point. Just got to be mindful of it moving forward, but we’re not mad at them.”
