DETROIT, Michigan (AFP) - The Indiana Pacers lost their cool on and off the court and brawled with unruly Detroit fans during a 97-82 victory over the Pistons in a chaotic game that was halted with less than a minute to go.
In one of the wildest skirmishes in recent National Basketball Association memory, Stephen Jackson, Ron Artest and Jermaine O'Neal all landed haymakers on unruly Detroit fans, who showed their worst side by throwing plastic bottles and chairs at the Pacers.
"That was the ugliest thing I've ever seen in my life as a coach or player," Pistons veteran coach Larry Brown said.
"I'm just embarrassed for our league and disappointed at being a part of this with young people seeing that."
Several Pacers went into the stands to attack fans who had thrown objects. Jackson climbed into the seats and landed a haymaker that floored a fan next to another fan who had thrown a plastic beer bottle at Artest, hitting him in the face.
Fans continued to throw things and verbally taunt members of the Pacers. Several came onto the court and one took a fighting stance against Artest, who dropped him with a punch.
O'Neal ran over and floored another fan with a right. At one point even a Detroit radio announcer got into the melee and a referee suffered a gash in his head after being hit by a bottle.
Former NBA player Bill Walton blamed the Indiana players for reacting to fans' actions.
"You have to prepare yourself for every eventuality," he said. "Yes, the temptation is always there, but the discipline required to become an NBA player, the privilege and honour that goes with being an NBA player, prohibits you from ever crossing that line.
"It was a frightful, devastating experience. There will be major ramifications of this for both teams and this could have a huge impact for the rest of the NBA."
There was some speculation after the game that assault charges would be filed against one or more of the Pacers.
"I don't believe anyone will be arrested tonight," said Tom Wilson, the president of Palace Sports and Entertainment.
Fighting with each other minutes earlier, the Pacers and Pistons quickly teamed up to fight off the fans.
Detroit forward Rasheed Wallace and a radio announcer Rick Mahorn went into the stands to try to intervene. Referee Tommy Nunez was clipped in the head with a thrown bottle, opening a cut.
The game was called, which forced the Pacers to make their way through a gauntlet of angry fans who continued to throw objects.
Players and team officials were showered with beer, soda and popcorn. No players from either team spoke with the media.
"I felt like I was fighting for my life out there," Pacers coach Rick Carlisle told ESPN.
Acquired in the offseason, Jackson is new to this rivalry, which peaked with the Pistons defeating the Pacers in six physical games in last season's Eastern Conference finals before going on to capture the NBA championship.
Artest scored 24 points and initially showed some restraint. With 45 seconds left, he fouled Ben Wallace, who shoved Artest with a chokehold.
Artest walked away but was followed by Wallace, who had to be restrained.
While players from both teams jawed at each other and order was being restored, Artest lay down on the scorer's table when he was hit with the bottle.
"I'm sorry the game had to end this way," Carlisle said. "It was a great game up to that point."
O'Neal had 20 points and 13 rebounds and Austin Croshere scored 15 points for the Pacers, who have won three in a row.
Richard Hamilton scored 20 points and Rasheed Wallace added 19 for the Pistons, who rallied from a 20-point first-half deficit to get within 84-79 with just under eight minutes to go.
O'Neal made a free throw before Croshere sank a three-pointer and Jackson sealed the win.
Indiana held a 36-29 lead before embarking on a 13-0 run fuelled by O'Neal to open a 20-point lead midway through the second quarter.

11/20/2004 - 12:15 GMT - AFP