I know what you’re thinking. NBA fights? Really? But hear me out. While they may not be the most elegant or sportsmanlike moments in basketball history, they are certainly some of the most memorable. And let’s be honest, who doesn’t love a good old-fashioned brawl? In this article, we’re going to take a look at some of the best NBA fights of all time. From the infamous “Malice at the Palace” to the more recent “Kermit Washington Punch,” these are the fights that will stay with us long after the final buzzer sounds.
One of the most famous NBA fights of all time took place on November 19, 2004, between the Indiana Pacers and the Detroit Pistons. The fight started when Pacers forward Ron Artest fouled Pistons center Ben Wallace hard. Wallace retaliated by shoving Artest, and then all hell broke loose. Players from both teams began throwing punches, and the fight spilled into the stands. Several fans were injured, and Artest was suspended for the rest of the season. The “Malice at the Palace” is widely considered to be one of the ugliest incidents in NBA history, but it is also one of the most memorable.
The Knicks-Heat Battle
The Knicks-Heat battle was a heated rivalry that lasted for several years in the late 1990s and early 2000s. The two teams were often involved in physical altercations, and the rivalry reached its peak in 2000 when Heat forward P.J. Brown threw a punch at Knicks center Patrick Ewing.
The Brawl
The brawl took place on January 16, 2000, at Madison Square Garden. The Knicks were leading the Heat by 10 points with less than two minutes remaining in the game when Brown elbowed Ewing in the face. Ewing retaliated by pushing Brown, and the two players began to trade punches. The fight quickly escalated, and several other players from both teams joined in.
The brawl lasted for several minutes, and it took several security guards to break it up. Brown and Ewing were both ejected from the game, and the NBA suspended Brown for two games and Ewing for one game.
The Knicks-Heat brawl was one of the most infamous brawls in NBA history. It helped to fuel the rivalry between the two teams, and it is still remembered as one of the ugliest incidents in the league’s history.
Aftermath
The Knicks-Heat brawl had a significant impact on the NBA. The league began to crack down on fighting, and it implemented new rules to prevent future incidents. The brawl also led to a change in the culture of the NBA. Players became more aware of the consequences of fighting, and they were less likely to engage in physical altercations.
The Knicks-Heat rivalry continued for several more years, but it never reached the same level of intensity as it did in the late 1990s and early 2000s. The two teams eventually moved to different conferences, and the rivalry faded away.
The Olajuwon-Robinson Feud
Background
The feud between Hakeem Olajuwon and David Robinson began in the 1990s, when both players were at the peak of their careers. Olajuwon was playing for the Houston Rockets and Robinson for the San Antonio Spurs.
Early Encounters
The rivalry between the two players intensified in the 1995 NBA Finals, when the Rockets defeated the Spurs in four games. Olajuwon was named MVP of the series, averaging 32.8 points, 11.5 rebounds, and 5.5 blocks per game.
The Melee
The feud reached its boiling point in a regular season game in 1997. With just over three minutes remaining in the game, Olajuwon and Robinson got into a physical altercation after Robinson fouled Olajuwon hard. Both players were ejected from the game and suspended for one game.
Aftermath
The fight between Olajuwon and Robinson was a major story in the NBA at the time. It led to a lot of speculation about the animosity between the two players. However, both players eventually downplayed the incident, saying that it was just a heat-of-the-moment thing.
Later Years
Olajuwon and Robinson continued to play against each other for several more years. They retired in 2002 and 2003, respectively. In 2009, both players were inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame.
The Best Basketball Fights in NBA History
There have been many memorable basketball fights in NBA history, but which ones are the best? Here is a look at some of the most iconic brawls that have taken place on the hardwood.
1. The Malice at the Palace (2004)
This is perhaps the most infamous basketball fight of all time. It occurred during a game between the Indiana Pacers and the Detroit Pistons on November 19, 2004. After a hard foul by Pistons center Ben Wallace on Pacers forward Ron Artest, a melee ensued involving players, fans, and security guards. The fight resulted in nine suspensions and several arrests.
2. The Lakers-Celtics Rivalry (1980s)
The Lakers and Celtics have been rivals for decades, and their games have often been heated. In the 1980s, the rivalry reached its peak, and there were several fights between the two teams. One of the most famous occurred in 1984, when Lakers forward Kareem Abdul-Jabbar punched Celtics center Robert Parish in the face.
3. The Knicks-Heat Rivalry (1990s)
The Knicks and Heat were another bitter rivals in the 1990s. In 1997, the two teams met in the Eastern Conference Finals, and the series was marked by several fights. One of the most memorable occurred in Game 5, when Knicks forward Larry Johnson threw a punch at Heat guard Dan Majerle.
People Also Ask About Best Basketball Fights NBA
What was the cause of the Malice at the Palace?
The Malice at the Palace was caused by a hard foul by Pistons center Ben Wallace on Pacers forward Ron Artest. Artest retaliated by throwing a punch at Wallace, and a melee ensued.
Who was involved in the Lakers-Celtics Rivalry?
The Lakers-Celtics Rivalry involved some of the biggest stars in NBA history, including Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Magic Johnson, Larry Bird, and Michael Jordan.
What was the outcome of the Knicks-Heat Rivalry?
The Knicks-Heat Rivalry ended with the Knicks winning the Eastern Conference Finals in 1999. The Knicks went on to win the NBA championship that year.
