Where is the line drawn between commiting a "hard foul" and starting a fight?

Question

I'm thinking of the Knicks/Nuggets game. Isn't a foul that hard more of an opening shot?

Answer 1

THAT IS WHY THE NBA INITIATED THE FLAGRANT FOUL RULE TO STOP PLAYERS FROM OVERREACTING TO HARD FOULS.

Answer 2

If the player on the receiving end of the foul does not immediately retaliate either with a reciprocal foul or take a swing, then the initial hit will remain as a hard foul. These hard fouls can later in the game result in some kind of combative behavior consisting of pushing and shoving, shouting at one another, or downright fists flying. Hard fouls generally are not committed without some retaliatory measures taken. At times basketball games, such as the Knicks/Nuggets, can take on the appearance of a hockey game where really the fight(s) is the main attraction and the game, whether hockey or basketball, is the excuse to stage the fight(s). Don't get excited and start swinging on people after reading all this regarding rowdy and belligerent behavior. For your sake and others, always hold a flower in your hand wherever you go so others will know how gentle you are. The next time you attend a basketball game, wave your flowers at the players to let them know you neither appreciate nor condone players lunging towards one another for the purpose of inflicting bodily damage.

But for your sake, don't allow this question to get you all worked up. Get a grip on youself and remain in self control at all times.