NBA officials stopped a game between the Indiana Pacers and the Detroit Pistons with about 45 seconds left to play late Friday after a brawl broke out between players and fans in Detroit.
The incident began when Detroit's Ben Wallace went in for a shot at the basket and was fouled hard by Indiana's Ron Artest. A shoving match quickly developed into a fight and both teams' bench players joined in, with several players exchanging punches at courtside.
As officials struggled to control the players, one of the onlookers threw a cup of beer or soda at Artest, and the player reacted by dashing into the stands and attacking the fan. Players from both teams followed Artest into the stands - some confronting the fans, others attempting to break up the fights - as angry spectators threw a shower of debris at the Indiana players.
Police say at least one person was treated at a hospital.
Detroit Coach Larry Brown says it was the ugliest incident he's ever seen on a basketball court. His Pistons lost the game, 97-82.