The NBA has suspended Pistons center Isaiah Stewart three games without pay following last week’s altercation with Suns center Drew Eubanks, the league announced Thursday.
Stewart punched and pushed Eubanks during an altercation the NBA says was initiated by the Detroit big man. The incident happened near the loading docks at Footprint Center about three hours before the Feb. 14 game, the Pistons’ last before the All-Star break.
Stewart was arrested and was initially charged with misdemeanor assault. The charge has since been dismissed, according to ESPN.
Eubanks said before last week’s game that the incident happened as he was entering the area. The two players started arguing before getting in each other’s faces, ultimately leading to Stewart’s punch.
It is still unclear what prompted the incident.
Stewart, who has missed eight straight games with an ankle injury, was expected to return to action Thursday night against the Pistons. He will be eligible to play Tuesday at Chicago.