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Detroit Pistons power forward Isaiah Stewart punched Phoenix Suns forward Drew Eubanks in the face in a Footprint Center tunnel before the Suns’ 116-100 win over the Pistons on Wednesday, they confirmed. league sources briefed on the matter. 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 tonight’s game,” Detroit said in a statement. “We are in the process of gathering information about what happened and what caused it, and responding to the NBA and local authorities.”
According to league sources, both Stewart and Eubanks were chest to chest before a swing connected to Eubanks’ lip area. The police had to intervene to separate the two and were called to the scene. Stewart left the arena with members of the Pistons staff after the altercation. The NBA is expected to receive footage to review.
“The attack on Drew Eubanks was unprovoked and acts of violence like this are unacceptable,” a Suns spokesperson said. “We unequivocally support Drew and will continue to work with local authorities and the NBA.”
During a November 5 matchup between the two teams in Detroit, both Stewart and Eubanks were very aggressive toward each other and verbally clashed throughout the game.
“I know statements were made,” Pistons coach Monty Williams said of the postgame altercation. “I want to get all the information.”
Williams said he spoke with Stewart and Stewart shared what happened. Williams went on to say that he thought the Suns saying the altercation was “unprovoked” was irresponsible. He believes that all information should be gathered before saying something like that.
Stewart has missed the last few games with an ankle injury. He joined the Pistons on their West Coast tour to prepare for a return after the All-Star break. Eubanks was warming up after 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)