Detroit Pistons big man Isaiah Stewart allegedly punched Phoenix Suns center Drew Eubanks before the start of their game on Wednesday, February 14, at the Footprint Center in Phoenix, Arizona.
According to a report by league insider Shams Charania, Stewart and Eubanks were engaged in a heated confrontation in the back tunnel, going chest-to-chest, and the altercation escalated when a punch from Stewart connected with Eubanks' lip area.
The exact cause of the altercation remains unclear at this time. The Police was needed to separate the two.
"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," according to a Suns spokesperson.
The Phoenix Suns-Detroit Pistons game was to tip-off at 9 PM Eastern Time, or 6 PM Pacific Time.
Following the incident, the 22-year-old Stewart left the arena accompanied by members of the Pistons' staff. The league is expected to obtain footage for review to determine potential repercussions.
During a November 5 matchup between the two teams at the Little Caesars Arena in Detroit, Stewart and Eubanks displayed heightened aggression, engaging in verbal sparring throughout the game. The Suns won that game, 120-106.
Stewart was on the verge of sitting out his eighth consecutive game due to an ankle injury. In the 2023-24 season, he has participated in only 35 out of a possible 53 games, facing various injuries. He was to return to action after the All-Star break, joining the team's West Coast trip to integrate himself back into the lineup.
Despite the injury bug, the 6-foot-8 player's performance has been commendable, averaging 11.0 points, 6.8 rebounds, and 1.7 assists per contest. Additionally, he has been shooting 47.0% from the field and 37.4% from three-point range.
In contrast, the 27-year-old Eubanks has been more active, participating in 48 out of 52 games. His performance has been so-so for a backup big man, averaging 5.6 points, 4.2 rebounds, and 1.0 assists per contest, with a shooting percentage of 63.7% from the field.
Isaiah Stewart tried to fight LeBron James
The recent incident is not the first time Stewart has attempted to engage in a physical altercation with an opposing player.
In a game against the Los Angeles Lakers on November 12, 2021, Stewart tried to confront Lakers star LeBron James.
The altercation began after Stewart received a left elbow and a hand to the face from James while boxing out for a rebound. After being separated briefly, Stewart ran onto the court on the way to James, with the likely intent of attacking him. Fortunately, officials and fellow players were able to stop the power forward/center.
As a result of the altercation, both players were ejected from the game. Subsequently, James received a one-game suspension, while Stewart was suspended for two games following the incident.
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