Isaiah Stewart has been dealing with an ankle injury. (Photo by Nic Antaya/Getty Images)
A Wednesday game between the Detroit Pistons and Phoenix Suns had more pregame action than usual.
Pistons center Isaiah Stewart punched Suns reserve Drew Eubanks in the face during an altercation in the back tunnels of Footprint Center, according to The Athletic. The two were reportedly chest-to-chest when Stewart took a swing that connected with Eubanks’ mouth.
Police reportedly had to get involved to separate the two big men. The cause of the conflict is currently unclear, but the Suns released a statement claiming the “attack” was unprovoked:
“The attack on Drew Eubanks was unprovoked, and acts of violence such as this are unacceptable. We unequivocally support Drew, and will continue to work with local law enforcement and the NBA.”
The NBA is reportedly expected to review footage of the altercation, and you can probably expect discipline to follow. Stewart is a repeat offender when it comes to run-ins with other players, as he was suspended two games in 2021 for charging at LeBron James after the star bloodied his face and was ejected from a game in 2023 for shoving Patrick Beverley to the ground.
Eubanks later told The Arizona Republic’s Duane Rankin that Stewart stopped him while walking back to the locker room and sucker punched him after a few words were exchanged.
I asked Drew Eubanks about incident with Isaiah Stewart.
Said he was heading to the lockerroom inside arena when stopped by Stewart. Had words, and Eubanks said Stewart sucker punched him.
Security intervened and he’s fine. Stewart is out tonight due to injury. #Suns #Pistons
— Duane Rankin (@DuaneRankin) February 15, 2024
This incident comes after seven straight missed games for Stewart, who has been out with an ankle injury and was reportedly expected to return immediately after the All-Star break on Feb. 22. Stewart signed a four-year, $64 million extension with the Pistons last offseason and remains a significant part of their young core, though success has eluded the squad that entered Wednesday’s game 8-45.
Eubanks has worked as a reserve for the Suns in his first season with the team, averaging 5.6 points and 4.2 rebounds in 16 minutes per game while shooting 63.7% from the field.
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