By Johnny Askounis/ info@eurohoops.net
John Collins grabbed Dillon Brooks by the throat less than five minutes into Monday’s NBA Preseason 2026 opener between the Detroit Pistons and Phoenix Suns, triggering a chaotic scuffle at Little Caesars Arena.
The early first-quarter situation was bound to happen. From the opening tip, both players were constantly bumping and jostling for position in the paint.
The tension peaked when 30-year-old Brooks fouled 29-year-old Collins from behind during a rebound battle, throwing a hard swipe after already shoving his opponent to the floor seconds earlier. Losing his temper, the Pistons newcomer turned around, shoved the basketball directly at Brooks’ face, and choked him. Benches cleared instantly. Teammates, coaches, and arena security rushed to separate the two before punches could fly.
👀 HAZIRLIK MAÇINDA KAVGA!
💥 Sezon öncesi ilk maçlarında Dillon Brooks ve John Collins, henüz 5. dakikada birbirlerine girdi.
https://t.co/ExUFqr2WZS— Eurohoops Türkiye (@EurohoopsTR) October 6, 2026
The referees spent several minutes reviewing the tape before handing out penalties. Collins received a Flagrant 1 foul for unnecessary contact to the neck, while Brooks was hit with a technical foul for unsportsmanlike behavior. Despite the intense confrontation, both players avoided ejection and continued playing in the game according to their coaches’ initial rotation plans.
With the drama behind them, both squads look to finish their exhibition schedules. Detroit now hits the road to face the Washington Wizards and Minnesota Timberwolves, then returns home against the Toronto Raptors before hosting the Boston Celtics for their October 20 regular-season opener. Phoenix moves on to play the Chicago Bulls, San Antonio Spurs, and Utah Jazz, wrapping up their preparations before traveling to the Moda Center to battle the Portland Trail Blazers on October 21.
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