WATCH: NBA's biggest fight between Indiana Pacers and Detroit Pistons; Players ejected, paid million dollar fine!

While fights in sports are not unusual, they are rarely sufficiently severe that they are given their own name. 'Malice at the Palace' highlights this point. When the Indiana Pacers and Detroit Pistons played at the Palace of Auburn Hills on November 19, 2004, the infamous NBA riot broke out. It led to fines, suspensions, and even a whole documentary. 

There was nothing unusual about the game at first; with 45.9 seconds remaining, Indiana Pacers were ahead 97-82. When Artest lay down at the side of the floor, the disagreement that had caused the players and coaches to spill onto the court appeared to subside. The Detroit Pistons vs Indiana Pacers game took place at The Palace in Auburn Hills, Michigan. Things became very ugly when the fans were included in the chaos.

Watch the video here:

The largest brawl in NBA history, known as the "Malice at the Palace," took place on November 19, 2004, during a game between the Indiana Pacers and the Detroit Pistons. pic.twitter.com/ZwBsumlvp4

— Travel to the Past 𝕏 (@thepast1900s) October 19, 2024

More punches were thrown as fans continued to incite Artest, Jackson, and the other Pacers by hurling trash and even a chair as they started to head to the locker room. Nine further players were also suspended, and some were taken into custody. Due to the suspension, salaries for players dropped by over $11.2 million. Jermaine O'Neal, Stephen Jackson, Reggie Miller, Anthony Johnson, Chauncey Billups, Derrick Coleman, Elden Campbell, and Ben Wallace were among the others who were suspended.

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Many players got suspended

Jermaine O'Neal was suspended for 25 games and lost $4,510,975, though this was later reduced to 15 games and $2,706,585. Ben Wallace was out 6 games and $439,024, Anthony Johnson got 5 games and $120,000 and Reggie Miller lost $60,000.

It garnered a lot of controversy. It began with a slight argument when Ben Wallace pushed MWP However, that is not how it ended. While MWP was waiting near the scorer’s table, he was hit by a drink cup thrown by a fan John Green. MWP picked a fight with the fan, and other Pacers players followed. It was only stopped after police intervention.