2 funny how the NBA keeps finding ways to prove its critics wrong. Just a few weeks ago, Magic Johnson dismissed the idea of real rivalries in today’s game, calling it “The New NBA.” Meanwhile, Celtics coach Joe Mazzulla took it a step further, saying back in October, “I wish we’d bring back fighting. What’s more entertaining than a little scuffle?” Well, he might have just gotten his wish—because the latest Pistons-Timberwolves clash was anything but soft.

So, what went down? With 8:36 left in the second quarter, Detroit’s Ron Holland fouled Minnesota’s Naz Reid on a layup attempt. That’s when things got heated. The two started chirping, tensions flared, and in came Donte DiVincenzo to back up his guy. Before anyone could blink, the shoving started, and just like that—a full-blown brawl broke out!

Now, while most were either stunned or entertained, one former Warriors star had a very different problem. Gilbert Arenas was beyond thrilled about the chaos, but there was just one issue—he was stuck with his wife.

“They say the pi– is out there squabbling, and I’m here. I want to watch the fight. Oh man, I want to get back to the game,” he vented. “Damn. Over here with this pink sh*t. Why they out there beeping, baby? They beeping in them streets, in them basketball streets.”

Apparently, Arenas and his wife, Melli Monaco, were attending an event when all of this went down. And desperate times call for desperate measures—so Gil faked a health concern! “Faked like my stomach was hurting to watch the fight in peace 😂🗣 Donte D standing on business 😂🔥,” he shared on X.

In a video he posted, he’s seen in a car, laptop open, fully locked in on the fight—until his wife caught him. “I had to come watch this. Hello, baby. I’m sorry. I had to come watch,” he said sheepishly. Safe to say, the Pistons and Wolves weren’t the only ones dealing with drama that night!

How Donte DiVincenzo and more ejected in the heated brawl?

It all started in the second quarter of the Timberwolves-Pistons matchup, with Minnesota holding a 39-30 lead. The game was already chippy, but tensions boiled over when Isaiah Stewart caught Donte DiVincenzo with a hit, earning himself a technical foul. Just when it seemed like things might settle, chaos took over.

Moments later, Detroit’s Ron Holland II swiped the ball from Naz Reid on a layup attempt, and the two immediately got in each other’s faces. That’s when DiVincenzo stepped in—aggressively. The brief exchange turned into a full-blown brawl, sending players and coaches scrambling as the crowd erupted.

By the time the dust settled, the ejections list was long. The Pistons lost head coach J.B. Bickerstaff, Isaiah Stewart, Ron Holland II, and Marcus Sasser. Meanwhile, the Timberwolves saw Naz Reid, Donte DiVincenzo, and assistant coach Pablo Prigioni tossed from the game. Seven ejections in total.

And to make things even crazier, this game made NBA history. According to OptaSTATS, the matchup saw 12 technical fouls handed out—the most in a single game since March 23, 2005. Safe to say, this wasn’t just another regular-season game—it was a night to remember.