Orlando Magic’s Moe Wagner appears to be KNOCKED OUT in wild brawl with Detroit Pistons

Orlando Magic’s Moe Wagner was seemingly knocked out during a melee between the Detroit Pistons and the visiting team Wednesday night. 

Wagner appeared to briefly get KO’d by a punch to the back of the head after starting a fight that led to three ejections Wednesday night in a scene which triggered memories of an ugly brawl in Detroit 18 years ago – The Malice at the Palace.

Wagner was ejected for a flagrant foul, alongside Detroit’s Killian Hayes and Hamadou Diallo, who were also thrown out for their actions during the ensuing scuffle.

Hayes swung his right arm and struck Wagner, who slumped over and appeared to be momentarily unconscious. It followed a hip-check by Wagner on Hayes who got up angrily and reacted with force.

Following the game Wagner’s younger brother – and Magic Teammate – Franz confirmed to AP that his brother was ‘fine.’ 

‘I haven’t seen the video,’ he said. ‘But I know that´s the last thing he wanted to do.’ 

With 34 seconds left in the first half, Wagner and Hayes chased an errant Magic pass into the backcourt. Wagner knew Orlando would be called for a backcourt violation as soon as he touched it, and as he slowed up to let it go out of bounds, Hayes tried to cut past him along the sideline.

Wagner’s checking of Hayes into the Detroit bench was the Firestarter of the scuffle which involved every player on both teams.

Moritz Wagner was struck from behind by Killian Hayes just before half in the Magic’s loss

The Pistons overcame the double ejection to beat the Magic 121-101 and in doing so, snapped a six-game losing streak. 

Numerous Orlando players could be facing suspension for leaving the bench area during the first-half altercation. 

Franz Wagner, Cole Anthony, Wendell Carter Jr, Gary Harris, Mo Bamba, R.J. Hampton, Terrence Ross and Admiral Schofield were the players out of the game as the Orlando bench emptied.

‘I need an explanation about the decision because my understanding is you can´t leave the bench area and escalate a situation,’ Pistons coach Dwane Casey said postgame. ‘That´s when really bad things can happen.’

Wagner & Hayes went at it during the first half – both in & out of play – before both were ejected

Franz Wagner said the Magic players didn’t feel they had a choice.

‘We´re aware of the rule, but things like that usually happen on the court, not on one of the benches,’ he said. 

‘Your worry is that your teammate is down there amongst the whole other team.’

With memories on The Malice at the Palace very much in the minds of many inside Little Caesars Arena, the Pistons announcer made sure nothing similar was going to occur. 

‘Stay in your seats. The moment you move, you’re going to jail,’ he said over the PA.