Detroit Pistons power forward Isaiah Stewart punched Phoenix Suns power forward Drew Eubanks in the face in a Footprint Center tunnel before the Suns’ 116-100 win over the Pistons on Wednesday, league sources briefed on the matter confirmed to The Athletic. It’s unclear what sparked the altercation in Phoenix.
“We are aware of the incident between Isaiah Stewart and Drew Eubanks prior to this evening’s game,” Detroit said in a statement. “We are in the process of gathering information about what happened and what provoked it, and responding to the NBA and local authorities.”
According to league sources, both Stewart and Eubanks were chest to chest before a swing to Eubanks’ lip area connected. Police needed to get involved to separate the two and were called to the scene. Stewart left the arena with members of the Pistons’ staff following the altercation. The NBA is expected to receive footage to review.
“The attack on Drew Eubanks was unprovoked, and acts of violence such as this are unacceptable,” a Suns spokesperson said. “We unequivocally support Drew, and will continue to work with local law enforcement and the NBA.”
During a Nov. 5 matchup between the two teams in Detroit, both Stewart and Eubanks were extra aggressive with each other and were verbally sparring throughout the game.
“I know there were statements put out,” Pistons coach Monty Williams said of the altercation postgame. “I want to get all of the information.”
Williams said he talked to Stewart and Stewart shared what happened. Williams continued by saying he thought the Suns saying the altercation was “unprovoked” was irresponsible. He believes all of the information should be gathered before saying something like that.
Stewart has missed the last several games with an ankle injury. He joined the Pistons on their West Coast swing to prepare for a return after the All-Star break. Eubanks was warming up following the altercation and two hours before the game.
Eubanks finished the game with six points, eight rebounds, two steals and two blocks in 18 minutes of action.
(Photo: Chris Schwegler / NBAE via Getty Images)
Christine Lake is a sports fanatic who lives and breathes athletics. With an extensive background in sports journalism, he covers everything from major league championships to grassroots sports events. When she’s not on the field or at the stadium, you’ll find Christine coaching youth sports teams.
