Dillon Brooks and John Collins. Image via: Lon Horwedel / Imagn Images | NBA
The scrum started with 7:23 left in the first quarter. Officials checked the replay and called a flagrant 1 on Collins and a technical on Brooks for unsportsmanlike contact. 5.
Lead official Karl Lane said Collins’ actions were unnecessary. Timing got plenty of attention, since the game had barely started. @beasthazard92 wrote “Wasn’t even 5 mins in 😂” and @PlayoffLucro added “NBA is really back chills 😂”. @80sBearfan4life: “Wow this didn’t take long and it’s only in the preseason 😳” The Pistons secured the 109-107 win over the Suns, but the game will certainly be remembered by the fans and the NBA world. The penalties were small, but the clip spread quickly, and the reaction split between laughter and disbelief. The Suns forward has a reputation for getting under opponents’ skin, and the Pistons forward is the latest to get pulled in. Fans were soon asking whether Detroit needs Bad Boys T-shirts this season. Collins had pulled down an offensive rebound and looked ready to score when he got hit with a hard foul. After the whistle, the Pistons forward grabbed Brooks by the throat and later pushed the ball into his face. Phoenix shot two free throws, Detroit shot one, and play went on. ESPN’s NBA account posted the clip with a note on the early intensity. It was the first exhibition game of the year for both clubs, played Oct. There were no dirty plays, only small shots that piled up until both men went for the rebound. Many would agree that the throat grab was an overreaction for a preseason game.