The scuffle between the Detroit Pistons and the Charlotte Hornets didn’t just light up NBA fans — it sparked debate among former players too.
During a recent episode of the No Fouls Given podcast, Paul Pierce and Danny Green broke down the chaos. Pierce zeroed in on Duncan Robinson, who appeared to stay out of the fray while others rushed in.
“He got to let me know he’s at least worried,” said Pierce. “I ain’t saying you got to scrap. But you gotta be like, hold on, what? Like you can’t just go back to everything like you feel me? You got to be ready, bro. Like COME ON. HE DIDN’T GIVE ME NOTHING.”
Paul Pierce says he can’t rock with what Duncan Robinson did during the fight with Hornets
“He got to let me know he’s at least worried. I ain’t saying you got to scrap. But you got be like, Hold on. What? Like you can’t just go back to everything like you feel me? You got to… pic.twitter.com/PNIhzIwYUy
— NBA Courtside (@NBA__Courtside) February 11, 2026
Pierce’s take didn’t exactly land the way he expected.
NBA fans quickly pushed back, arguing Robinson did exactly what he was supposed to do — avoid unnecessary trouble.
@Cassy2155 wrote, “So y’all ain’t see Brandon miller standing there?”
@iamhdot added, “Man Duncan just there to hit 3s we got enough fighters on the squad.”
And @Scumbag133 kept it blunt: “Anytime I see Paul Pierce video, I click it bc he funny as f**k.”
The incident itself unfolded during Detroit’s 110-104 win, when Miles Bridges and Jalen Duren exchanged words before Bridges appeared to throw a punch. The benches emptied in seconds. Most players charged in. Robinson? Not so much.
“They would have tossed Robinson into the 2nd row blearers”: NBA Fans react to Duncan Robinson avoiding the scuffle
NBA fans in Detroit were livid about how Duncan Robinson evaded the scuffle so much that they also made their presence felt on the radio.
In the recent episode of the Rich Eisen Show, a fan called in to complain about Robinson, saying, “Here in Detroit, man, we’re a little pissed at Duncan Robinson. You can’t turn your back while everybody in the background is squabbling.
Amidst the anger, NBA fans defended Robinson.
@JDeandre21 posted, “Man, they would have tossed Robinson into the 2nd row bleachers.”
@Jilleygin01 added, “Detroit mad about effort, not loyalty. Smart bettors know posture pays more than punches.”
@PegaDuroNews11 summed it up: “I’m not mad at Duncan at all. Know your role, and he knows his role.”
That’s really where the divide sits. Some old-school voices believe every teammate has to show visible fire, even if it’s symbolic. A big reaction, a shove, at least some sign you’re locked in.
But plenty of NBA fans see the modern game differently. If you’re a shooter paid to space the floor, your value isn’t measured in headlocks.
In the end, Detroit got the win. The league will review the tape. And Robinson? He’ll probably keep doing what he does best — staying ready to fire from deep, not from the bench-clearing front lines.
