Duncan Robinson wanted absolutely no part of Pistons-Hornets brawl

Charlotte, N.C. – While fists flew and tempers flared at Spectrum Center on Monday night, Duncan Robinson kept his composure—and his distance. The Detroit swingman watched two separate third-quarter altercations erupt around him, yet never left the periphery of the chaos, choosing instead to walk away from the scrum with the weary expression of a disappointed parent.

The trouble began midway through the period when Hornets center Moussa Diabate and Pistons big man Jalen Duren became entangled under the basket. Duren’s open palm to Diabate’s face ignited the confrontation, prompting Diabate to lunge repeatedly at his counterpart before teammates intervened. Moments later, Charlotte forward Miles Bridges escalated the hostilities by throwing a punch at Duren, triggering an even larger melee.

Detroit’s Isaiah Stewart sprinted from the bench area to defend Duren, locking Bridges in a headlock and uncorking a punch of his own in a scene more reminiscent of the UFC than the NBA. Robinson, stationed on the floor throughout, never advanced toward the fray, instead retreating toward mid-court as officials worked to restore order.

Diabate, Bridges, Duren, and Stewart were all ejected, and league suspensions are expected for each player involved. The ejections left the Pistons without their top two centers, yet Detroit still managed to close out a 110-104 victory.

Robinson’s restraint did not equate to passivity. The veteran sharpshooter delivered an efficient offensive performance, pouring in 18 points on 8-of-10 shooting to help seal the win. On a night when teammates exchanged blows, Robinson let his jumper do the talking, underscoring the value of poise amid pandemonium.