Watch: Paul George, Pistons’ Marcus Morris scuffle in Pacers’ victory
Pacers forward Paul George had a busy fourth quarter against the Pistons: 21 points, four rebounds and one brouhaha at center court with Marcus Morris.
Indiana scored a 94–82 home victory over Detroit on Saturday, but the win was marred by a benches-clearing shoving match during the closing seconds of regulation.
The fireworks began just before the final buzzer, when George attempted to strip Morris of the ball as he waited out the last few seconds. In the ensuing chase for the loose ball, Morris shoved George, prompting Indiana’s All-Star forward to go chest-to-chest in response. Morris, who perhaps was miffed George had attempted a steal so late in a game that had been decided, then shoved George in the chest again, this time using both of his hands.
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Members of both teams, multiple coaching staff members, and the officiating crew quickly converged to separate them. After a minute or so of jawing, both teams finally headed to their respective locker rooms.
George shook off a cold start to finish with a game-high 32 points, 14 rebounds and three assists. George Hill added 18 points and four rebounds in the win.
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Kentavious Caldwell-Pope led the Pistons with 16 points and 10 rebounds. Morris added 11 points and four assists for Detroit.
Indiana improved to 19–14. Detroit fell to 18–16.
