Indiana Pacers forward Ron Artest, left, fights with a fan during a brawl at a game against the Detroit Pistons in Auburn Hills on Nov. 19, 2004. (AP file photo)

By LARRY LAGE

AP Sports Writer

AUBURN HILLS — The “Malice at the Palace” starts as a disagreement between Indiana Pacers forward Ron Artest and Detroit Pistons power forward Ben Wallace and becomes one of the worst incidents in sports history.

After laying on the scorers table to de-escalate things, Artest is hit with a beer. He goes into the crowd and attacks a fan, things quickly escalate, and players and fans fight in a harrowing scene. Artest later is suspended for 73 games and the playoffs.

The Associated Press is republishing its account of the scene on Nov. 19, 2004, as part of the memories of the 2000s decade during the yearlong celebration of the NBA’s 75th anniversary.

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AUBURN HILLS — Fists were flying. So were cups, plastic bottles and even a chair in one of the ugliest NBA brawls ever — and Indiana’s Ron Artest was right in the middle of it.

Artest and Stephen Jackson charged into the stands and fought with fans in the final minute of their game against the Detroit Pistons on Friday night, and the brawl forced an early end to the Pacers’ 97-82 win.

Officials stopped the game with 45.9 seconds remaining after pushing and shoving between the teams spilled into the stands once fans got involved by throwing things at the players near the scorer’s table.

“It’s the ugliest thing I’ve seen as a coach or player,” said Pistons coach Larry Brown, who was in the middle of the confrontation, trying to break it up.

After several minutes of players fighting with fans in the stands, a chair, beer, ice, and popcorn were thrown at the Pacers as they made their way to the locker room in one of the scariest brawls in an NBA game.

“I felt like I was fighting for my life out there,” Pacers coach Rick Carlisle said. “I’m sorry the game had to end this way.”

The Palace announcer said the game was being stopped and pleaded with fans not to throw things.

About three hours following the startling finish, Auburn Hills police walked out of a television trailer with videotapes gathered from various media outlets.

Officers interviewed witnesses at the arena in suburban Detroit, and planned to talk to the players involved.

“We’ll put it all together, take it to the Oakland County Prosecutors Office and have them review it and they’ll decide if there are any charges,” Auburn Hills Deputy Chief Jim Mynsberge said. “I hope we can do it before Thanksgiving.”

It all started when Detroit’s Ben Wallace went in for a layup and was fouled hard by Artest from behind, and escalated when Artest stormed into the stands after being hit by a full cup.

After being fouled, Wallace wheeled around and pushed Artest in the face. The benches emptied and punches were thrown.

As the players continued shoving each other near center court and coaches tried to restore order, Artest sprawled out on his back on the scorer’s table, looking relaxed.

Just when it appeared tempers had died down, Artest was struck by a cup and beverage thrown from the stands. He jumped up, and charged into the stands, throwing punches as he climbed over seats.