NBA fans found themselves laughing at referee Tony Brothers during the Timberwolves-Hawks scuffle — not because of the fight itself, but because of how he explained it.
Early in the fourth quarter Monday in Minnesota, Naz Reid appeared to get tripped by Atlanta’s Mouhamed Gueye. Reid popped up immediately and got in Gueye’s face, triggering a brief scrum that cleared the benches. Jock Landale even ended up on the floor in the middle of it.
Both Reid and Gueye were tossed.
But it wasn’t the altercation that went viral. It was the brothers’ mic moment.
“Naz Reid and Gay have… engaged each other.”
That phrasing sent NBA fans into meme mode.
@Eric__Shunn wrote, “Why is he being homophobic? Don’t bring a player’s sexuality into this.”
Why is he being homophobic? Don’t bring a player’s sexuality into this
— Eric Shunn (@Eric__Shunn) February 10, 2026
@t_siva1403 added, “Tony Brothers really said it like it was a romantic subplot. NBA commentary undefeated.”
@JoeSmith522444 chimed in, “Someone needs to give these mfs speaking lessons. NBA just threw them on the mics with no prep.”
While the wording stole attention online, Minnesota handled business. Even without Reid, the Timberwolves rolled to a 138-116 win behind Anthony Edwards’ 30 points, six assists and six rebounds. Julius Randle chipped in a triple-double with 18 points, 12 boards and 10 assists.
“At this rate, the All-Star Game is just gonna be a Royal Rumble”: NBA fans react to league-wide scuffles
It wasn’t just Minnesota bringing the chaos.
On the same night, Isaiah Stewart sprinted off the bench during Detroit’s clash with Charlotte, adding to what felt like a WWE crossover episode.
NBA fans started connecting the dots.
@Nevil_XD posted, “At this rate the All-Star Game is just gonna be a Royal Rumble.”
@iamkoda7 added, “They need to let them fight. Maybe that will get the ratings up.”
@yellenomix even managed to drag LeBron into it, saying, “Lebron’s slow demise in front of our eyes is slowly bringing the animosity and rivalry back to the LEAGUE.”
Between awkward referee soundbites and back-to-back brawls, NBA fans got more drama than expected on a regular-season Monday — and they weren’t about to let any of it slide quietly.
