An unexpected turn of events unfolded before Wednesday’s Detroit Pistons and Phoenix Suns game, as Pistons’ Isaiah Stewart reportedly landed a punch on Suns’ Drew Eubanks.
The incident took place in the back tunnels of the Footprint Center, where Stewart and Eubanks reportedly engaged in a heated exchange that escalated when Stewart struck Eubanks in the face, as per The Athletic. The confrontation required police intervention to separate the two players. Following the Suns’ 116-100 victory, Stewart faced arrest, received a citation, and was subsequently released, according to KTVK’s Mark McClune.
The origins of the altercation remain unclear. The Suns stated the attack was unprovoked, while the Pistons acknowledged the incident and are in the process of gathering more details. Monty Williams, the Pistons head coach who served as the Suns coach last season, contested the claim of the attack being unprovoked, according to Duane Rankin of The Arizona Republic.
The NBA is set to review the incident, and disciplinary actions against Stewart, known for previous on-court confrontations, are anticipated. Stewart, who had a notable altercation with LeBron James in 2021 and a 2023 ejection for an incident with Patrick Beverley, exchanged words with Eubanks before the physical confrontation, Eubanks recounted to Rankin.
Stewart sidelined for the past seven games due to an ankle injury, was expected to return post-All-Star break. Having signed a substantial contract extension with the Pistons, Stewart’s role in the team’s future remains pivotal despite the team’s current struggles. Eubanks, in his first season with the Suns, has contributed as a reserve, maintaining impressive field goal efficiency.