How long of a suspension did you think Detroit Pistons guard Killian Hayes would receive from the Mo Wagner incident?

If you’re still in the dark, you can catch up here on what some are calling the “PG” rated version of ‘Malice at the Palace’: The Detroit Pistons Go Bad Boys For Win Over Orlando Magic

After much speculation over the severity, the NBA has subsequently issued punishments for the bench clearing scuffle.

Looks like the whole Magic bench was over by the Pistons bench during this altercation #Pistons

🎥: @DetroitKoolAid pic.twitter.com/5JIbwLtITX

— Woodward Sports Network (@woodwardsports) December 29, 2022

Hayes was given a three game break and Wagner two games for their parts in the incident. Because he ran to the aide of Hayes and pushed Wagner, Hamidou Diallo was given a one game suspension.

Something that also earned him kudos from his teammates.

“We’re competitors. I like how Hami and Killian responded… how Hami had Killian’s back,” Saddiq Bey emphatically stated. He continued “Their team had their guy’s back, and we’re going to have ours’.”

BREAKING: Killian Hayes has been suspended for 3 games after last nights altercation with Mo Wagner. Hamidou Diallo also received a 1 game suspension. #Pistons

per @wojespn pic.twitter.com/tru7huPAnc

— Woodward Sports Network (@woodwardsports) December 30, 2022

But Dwane Casey may feel a little better knowing all the Orlando Magic players who left the bench were suspended. He stated post game, undoubtedly frustrated, that the refs not throwing them out the game was fuel on the fire.

“When you leave your bench, you are escalating. Coaches were not deescalating the situation,” Casey said. “For them not to have anyone ejected, I need an explanation. That’s how bad things start… really bad things.”

In addition to former University of Michigan basketball standout Mo Wagner, eight other Magic players were suspended:

Cole Anthony
RJ Hampton
Gary Harris (Michigan State University)
Kevon Harris
Admiral Schofield
Franz Wagner (University of Michigan)
Mo Bamba
Wendell Carter Jr

Casey will get no satisfaction of seeing them ejected for leaving the bench, however they each will miss one game. Leaving their team thin for the next game.

Do you think the suspensions were fair?

Opinions of varying degree have been flying all over social media since the incident. Many Detroit Pistons’ fans were happy with the overall show of heart and hustle, reminiscent of the ‘Bad Boys’ era.

Against the Magic they were after every loose ball, rebound and turned up the defensive physicality. Many in the arena remarked how chippy and aggressive the game appeared, even before the later scrum.

They believed Mo Wagner, who was the instigator, should receive a longer time off for his role. While many outside observers believed Hayes deserved the more severe punishment.