Detroit Pistons big man Isaiah Stewart is facing a suspension after he punched the Phoenix Suns’ Drew Eubanks in a confrontation that occurred hours before the teams’ game Wednesday night, a person with knowledge of the incident told USA TODAY Sports.
The person was not authorized to speak publicly while the NBA investigates the incident.
The Athletic was the first to report the news of the confrontation between Stewart and Eubanks.
Stewart was not set to play Wednesday night as he deals with an ankle injury that has kept him out of the lineup since Jan. 28.
Eubanks was walking to the Suns’ locker room at Phoenix’s Footprint Center when he was stopped by Stewart, the Suns player told Duane Rankin of the Arizona Republic, part of the USA TODAY Network.
“Just walking in and words were said and got sucker punched and security stepped in and that was it,” Eubanks told Rankin.
The Suns’ backup big man, who entered Wednesday averaging 5.6 points and 4.2 rebounds, told Rankin he was OK and said Stewart’s punch was “soft.” Eubanks is still expected to be in the lineup Wednesday night against Detroit. Stewart left the Footprint Center after the incident, The Athletic reported.
“The attack on Drew Eubanks was unprovoked, and acts of violence such as this are unacceptable,” the Suns said in a statement. “We unequivocally support Drew, and will continue to work with local law enforcement and the NBA.”
The league is investigating the incident.
Stewart has been suspended once before, following a November 2021 incident in which he went after Los Angeles Lakers superstar LeBron James after James busted up Stewart’s face while battling for a ball. Stewart was suspended two games for that incident.
Contributing: Duane Rankin, Arizona Republic
