Pistons forward Isaiah Stewart was arrested for assault after punching Suns forward Drew Eubanks in the face in a parking lot inside the Suns arena prior to the Pistons' 116-100 loss Wednesday night in Phoenix, per the Phoenix Police Department. Stewart was issued a citation and released.
It’s not yet clear what sparked the altercation between the two players, but Eubanks told reporters after the game that they started arguing as they were entering the arena and that they came chest to chest before Stewart threw a punch. Eubanks suffered a minor injury, but was able to play in the game.
The Phoenix Police Sergeant issued a statement summarizing the incident:
"Around 4:45 p.m. Phoenix police officers were working in a security capacity during a Suns home game at Footprint Arena when they were called to a fight between two players inside the arena’s parking lot. When the officers arrived, they were directed by security to the players involved. The players were identified as 27-year-old Drew Eubanks and 22-year-old Isaiah Stewart.
"Officers spoke to both players involved and a number of people who witnessed the incident. They learned there was an argument between both players as they arrived at the arena. Witnesses said the argument escalated when they saw Stewart punch Eubanks, causing a minor injury. Both men were separated by security which ended the fight. Detectives responded to investigate the incident and collect evidence. Stewart was arrested for assault and issued a citation and released. The investigation remains active.”
In a statement released prior to Stewart's arrest, the Pistons said they were "in the process of gathering information about what happened and what provoked it, and responding to the NBA and local authorities.”
The Suns said that "the attack on Drew Eubanks was unprovoked, and acts of violence such as this are unacceptable."
Pistons head coach Monty Williams said after the game that he talked with Stewart about what happened and said it was irresponsible of the Suns to call Stewart's actions "unprovoked" before all of the information has been shared publicly.
“I know there were statements put out,” Williams said. “I want to get all of the information.”
It's not the first time Stewart has been involved in a physical altercation in the NBA. He had to be restrained by multiple players and coaches on the court from taking a run at LeBron James after taking an elbow from James during a game between the Pistons and Lakers in November of 2021.
Stewart, 22, signed a four-year, $64 million extension with the Pistons last offseason that kicks in next year. He's averaging 11.0 points and 6.8 rebounds per game this season and is currently recovering from an ankle injury.