Detroit Pistons center Isaiah Stewart was detained for assault after an incident involving Phoenix Suns center Drew Eubanks before their game during Wednesday’s NBA action.
Phoenix police reported Stewart was arrested, given a citation, and then released. Stewart was already sidelined for the game at the time due to a sprained left ankle. Despite the altercation, Eubanks played in the Suns’ 116-100 win, contributing six points and eight rebounds over 18 minutes.
Eubanks recounted the incident as he entered the arena, leading to a physical confrontation that escalated when Stewart landed a punch. Security stepped in following the altercation, and despite sustaining a minor injury, Eubanks confirmed his readiness to play.
NBA NEWS & RUMORS: Isaiah Stewart, Detroit Pistons, Drew Eubanks, Phoenix Suns Updates
The Suns issued a statement condemning the violence and affirming their support for Eubanks, emphasizing that such unprovoked acts of aggression are intolerable.
“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.”
Meanwhile, the Pistons acknowledged the event, intending to collect more details and cooperate with the NBA and law enforcement.
“We are in the process of gathering information about what happened and what provoked it, and responding to the NBA and local authorities,” the team said.
NBA NEWS & RUMORS: Isaiah Stewart, Detroit Pistons, Drew Eubanks, Phoenix Suns Updates
Pistons coach Monty Williams criticized the Suns for prematurely commenting on the situation, advocating for a thorough investigation before making public statements. He highlighted the importance of gathering all facts before concluding.
“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.
This incident adds to Stewart’s history of on-court conflicts, notably his 2021 altercation with LeBron James, which resulted in suspensions for both players.
NBA NEWS & RUMORS: Isaiah Stewart, Detroit Pistons, Drew Eubanks, Phoenix Suns Updates
From the Suns, Kevin Durant lamented the pre-game event, emphasizing the importance of maintaining a spirit of brotherhood within the NBA while expressing support for Eubanks.
“Keep the game first. There’s a lot of noise,” Durant said. “It’s unfortunate what happened before the game, it’s supposed to be a brotherhood. But I also understand, dudes get into stuff. We try to avoid that in this league, hopefully we can move on from it. We all support Drew.”
The NBA has the option of suspending Stewart for his involvement in the incident, but more information about such a possibility would come after an investigation.
