Report: Detroit Pistons forward Isaiah Stewart punched Phoenix Suns forward Drew Eubanks prior to game

Wednesday night’s NBA game between the Phoenix Suns and Detroit Pistons got heated even before both teams took the floor. According to Shams Charania of The Athletic, Pistons forward Isaiah Stewart punched Suns forward Drew Eubanks in the back tunnels of the Suns arena. It’s unclear what sparked the altercation at this time.

The NBA is expected to receive footage to review of the incident. According to Charania, both players were going chest-to-chest before a swing to Eubanks’ face connected. Both players had to be separated and there were police involved in the situation in Phoenix.

Stewart was listed on the Pistons injury report and was ruled out of the game due to an ankle injury. According to a report from the Associated Press, Stewart was arrested for assault for the incident. Phoenix police issued him a citation and Stewart was released. Eubanks ended up playing in Wednesday night’s game (18 minutes), even though police said he suffered a minor injury.

It’s not the first time Stewart has been involved in a heated situation with another player. He got into a fight with LeBron James in November of 2021. Stewart was eventually suspended two games for that incident. James was only suspended for one game.

Statements from both the Phoenix Suns and Detroit Pistons

On Wednesday evening’s version of ESPN’s SportsCenter, the broadcast mentioned that both teams had issued statements on the altercation. “The Suns have released a statement in which they called the punch an unprovoked attack. ‘Acts of violence such as this are unnacceptable. We unequivocally support Drew and will continue to work with local law enforcement and the NBA.’

“The Pistons then said in their own statement, ‘We are in the process of gathering information about what happened and what provoked it and responding to the NBA and local authorities.”

Devin Booker ejected early in the game

There was something in the water on Wednesday night, as Suns star guard Devin Booker was ejected after getting his second technical foul in the first quarter. He was given the second technical foul after he pointed to the crowd. The official immediately blew his whistle and tossed the former Kentucky star from the game.

Phoenix head coach Frank Vogel was not happy at all with the decision to eject Booker from the game and mentioned it in his postgame press conference.

The Suns ended up winning the game 116-100, thanks to 25 points, six assists, and four rebounds from their other superstar, Kevin Durant. Eubanks finished with six points and eight rebounds in 18 minutes in the victory. With the win, the Suns improved to 33-22 overall and 18-11 at home. The Pistons dropped to 8-46 and 4-23 on the road.