NBA officials are expected to review details of an incident that led to Detroit Pistons forward Isaiah Stewart being cited for throwing a punch during an altercation with Phoenix Suns center Drew Eubanks before Wednesday’s game between the two games.
Phoenix police Sgt. Phil Krynsky said Stewart and Eubanks argued in the parking tunnel of Footprint Arena as they arrived for the game. Krynsky said witnesses reported seeing Stewart punch Eubanks before the players were separated by security officials.
Stewart was arrested on an assault charge, cited and released, said Krynsky, who added Eubanks suffered a “minor injury.”
Eubanks played in the game and scored six points and had six rebounds in the Suns’ 116-100 win. Stewart had been ruled out ahead of the game with an ankle injury. “Just walking in and words were said and got sucker punched and security stepped in and that was it,” Eubanks said before the game, The Arizona Republic reported.
The Suns issued a statement in support of Eubanks: “The attack on Drew Eubanks was unprovoked, and acts of violence such as this are unacceptable,” the team said. “We unequivocally support Drew, and will continue to work with local law enforcement and the NBA.”
Pistons head coach Monty Williams called the Phoenix statement “irresponsible.” “The thing is to get all of the information. The NBA will do an investigation,” Williams said. “For me to come here and make a statement would be a bit irresponsible. I know the Suns said it was unprovoked; I think that is irresponsible for sure. You really don’t know.”
Stewart has issues in the past in which he was suspended for two games along with LeBron James for one after the two tangled on the court during a 2021 game.
