“Do we need Bad Boys t shirts this season?”: Dillon Brooks and John Collins’ massive preseason match fight puts NBA fans in a frenzy

Dillon Brooks and John Collins needed less than five minutes of Monday night's preseason opener between the Suns and Pistons to put hands on each other. A hard foul on an offensive rebound set it off, and players from both teams stepped in to pull them apart.The penalties were small, but the clip spread quickly, and the reaction split between laughter and disbelief. The Suns forward has a reputation for getting under opponents' skin, and the Pistons forward is the latest to get pulled in. Fans were soon asking whether Detroit needs Bad Boys T-shirts this season.Dillon Brooks and John Collins clash early in preseason openerThe scrum started with 7:23 left in the first quarter. Collins had pulled down an offensive rebound and looked ready to score when he got hit with a hard foul. After the whistle, the Pistons forward grabbed Brooks by the throat and later pushed the ball into his face.Officials checked the replay and called a flagrant 1 on Collins and a technical on Brooks for unsportsmanlike contact. Lead official Karl Lane said Collins' actions were unnecessary. Phoenix shot two free throws, Detroit shot one, and play went on. ESPN's NBA account posted the clip with a note on the early intensity. It was the first exhibition game of the year for both clubs, played Oct. 5.There were no dirty plays, only small shots that piled up until both men went for the rebound. Many would agree that the throat grab was an overreaction for a preseason game.NBA fans react to Brooks and Collins scuffleThe clip went viral on the internet, and fans jumped into the comment sections of social media sites for their takes on the matter. Several fans were happy to see the intense drama during the game.@sharonljmoore put the question first: "Do we need Bad Boys t shirts this season?"@TheDreAboveAll went with a welcome: "Oh John Collins.. I was not familiar with this part of your game.. Welcome to Detroit. We'll get you settled in 💯"Timing got plenty of attention, since the game had barely started. @beasthazard92 wrote "Wasn't even 5 mins in 😂" and @PlayoffLucro added "NBA is really back chills 😂". @80sBearfan4life: "Wow this didn't take long and it's only in the preseason 😳"Brooks drew his own share. @Nox384 expects "he's gonna be a menace" this season. Others were less amused. @Rakememes: "This is basketball, not WWE 💀"@ilustriouseller: "grabbing a man neck like that is insane. There is a 6 whole months left in the season. How do you even escalate?"The Pistons secured the 109-107 win over the Suns, but the game will certainly be remembered by the fans and the NBA world.Stay updated with the latest Asian Games 2026 news, check the Asian Games medal tally and complete Asian Games schedule.Get the latest Sports News and Live updates. Download the TOI app.