The 2004 "Malice at the Palace" saw a massive brawl erupt after a fan threw a drink at Ron Artest, who responded by charging into the stands to confront the spectator. The resulting chaos led to the harshest penalties in NBA history, including Artest’s record-breaking 86-game suspension and lifetime bans for several fans. Credits: NBA, Warner Bros Discovery, Netflix, AP Archive | History In Pictures

The largest brawl in NBA history, known as the “Malice at the Palace,” took place on November 19, 2004, during a game between the Indiana Pacers and the Detroit Pistons. The altercation began when a fan threw a drink at Pacers player Ron Artest, sparking a chaotic fight between players and fans. The NBA issued severe penalties: Ron Artest was suspended for 86 games, Stephen Jackson for 30 games, and Jermaine O’Neal for 25 games. Combined fines and lost salary from suspensions reached $11.2 milli