Pistons Bad Boy Isaiah Stewart Punches Suns Player In The Face
Isaiah Stewart of the Detroit Pistons got physical with Phoenix Suns center Drew Eubanks and will likely face a stiff penalty from the NBA.
Stewart ran into Eubanks walking through the back tunnels of Footprint Center hours ahead of the Pistons home game versus the Suns, according to a report by The Athletic. The Pistons forward had to leave the arena after striking Eubanks in the lip as they started to bicker, pressing ‘chest-to-chest’.
Police reportedly got involved with separating the two; Stewart immediately left the arena with members of the Pistons team.
Phoenix provided a statement following the incident, fully supporting Eubanks and calling the attack ‘unprovoked.’ The NBA is expected to obtain and review footage of Stewart's punch on Eubanks.
The Suns' statement read: "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."
Eubanks was seen warming up for Wednesday's contest; meanwhile, the Pistons listed Stewart as ‘inactive.’ Stewart is battling an ankle injury and was not expected to play. He appeared in 35 games this season for the Pistons, averaging 11.0 points and 6.8 rebounds.
In Dec. 2023, the NBA suspended Golden State Warriors forward Draymond Green after swiping at Jusuf Nurkic of the Phoenix Suns. Green's history of cheap shots contributed to the league's decision, including a separate suspension from earlier this season.
In this case, Stewart's past fits of rage may come back to haunt him. Stewart had a target on Eubanks' back after getting chippy with the player during a matchup in November.
But Stewart's true career highlight came in 2021 when he went berserk during a game against the Los Angeles Lakers and rammed through people to get at LeBron James. Stewart received a two-game suspension for his on-court outburst.
Some say not even Draymond dares to get cute with Isaiah Stewart; and that's saying something.
(Should the NBA suspend Stew for the remainder of the season? Send us your thoughts: alejandro.avila@outkick.com)
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