Indiana’s Ron Artest and Stephen Jackson charged into the stands and fought with fans in the final minute of their game against the Detroit Pistons on Friday night, forcing an early and ugly end to the Pacers’ 97-82 win.
The game was stopped with 45.9 seconds remaining when a pushing and shoving between the teams spilled into the stands after fans began throwing things at the players near the scorer’s table.
“It’s the ugliest thing I’ve seen as a coach or player,” Pistons coach Larry Brown said.
After several minutes of players fighting with fans in the stands, the Pacers were pelted with beer, ice, and popcorn as they made their way to the locker room in one of the scariest brawls in an NBA game.
The Palace announcer said the game was being stopped and pleaded with fans not to throw things.
It all started when Detroit’s Ben Wallace went in for a layup and was fouled hard by Artest.
Wallace wheeled around and pushed Artest in the face. The benches emptied and punches were thrown.
As the players continued shoving each other near center court and coaches tried to restore order, Artest lay on his back on the scorer’s table.
Just when it appeared tempers had died down, Artest was struck by a cup thrown from the stands. He jumped up, and charged into the stands, throwing punches as he climbed over seats.
Fans were punching back, and Jackson and another teammate joined Artest in the melee. A Pistons player came running into the crowd.
Detroit’s Rasheed Wallace and Indiana’s David Harrison were also in or near the stands.
As the crowd roared, drinks and debris showered the court and the Pacers players covered their heads as they hustled through the runway leading to the locker room.
