Tempers flare in 1st half of Spurs-Pistons game in a matchup of 2 of NBA's top teams
Detroit Pistons guard Cade Cunningham (2) battles San Antonio Spurs guard Stephon Castle (5) for a rebound with Pistons guard Javonte Green (31) helping on the play during the first half of an NBA basketball game Monday, Feb. 23, 2026, in Detroit. Credit: AP/Duane Burleson
DETROIT — Tempers flared in the first half of the San Antonio Spurs- Detroit Pistons game, a matchup of two of the NBA's top teams on Monday night.
Pistons star Cade Cunningham was called for an offensive foul after extending his arms and knocking Spurs guard Stephon Castle down on the court.
Spurs forward Keldon Johnson responded by pushing Cunningham and Pistons center Jalen Duren, who was recently suspended by the league, pointed his right finger in Johnson's face.
After a review, Johnson and Duren were called for technical fouls in the second quarter of the closely contested game.
The NBA suspended center Isaiah Stewart for seven games earlier this month after he left the bench during a fight in Detroit's game at Charlotte, and he was still serving the suspension during San Antonio's visit. Duren was forced to sit for two games for initiating the altercation.
The Pistons have the best record in the Eastern Conference and the Victor Wembanyama -led Spurs trail only the defending champion Oklahoma City Thunder in the Western Conference.
Detroit hosts Oklahoma City on Wednesday night.
San Antonio Spurs guard De'aaron Fox (4) looks to pass the ball against Detroit Pistons forward Tobias Harris, top right, and forward Duncan Robinson, front left, during the first half of an NBA basketball game Monday, Feb. 23, 2026, in Detroit. Credit: AP/Duane Burleson
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