Pistons’ power forward Isaiah Stewart was arrested by Phoenix police for punching Suns‘ power forward Drew Eubanks in the tunnel before the Suns’ 116-100 defeat of Pistons. He was released after being issued a citation.
STEWART REPORTEDLY PUNCHED EUBANKS, LEADING TO POLICE BEING CALLED
The two power forwards were apparently chest to chest before Stewart punched Eubanks, one that hit hip near his lips. Interestingly, during the teams’ November matchup that took place in Detroit, the two had looked almost confrontational, verbally attacking each other throughout the game.
Kansas City Chiefs parade shooting : Heroic fan tackles gunman amidst horror
Police were asked to arrived to the scene to separate the two. Stewart then left alongside members of the Pistons’ crew.
“We are aware of the incident between Isaiah Stewart and Drew Eubanks prior to this evening’s game. We are in the process of gathering information about what happened and what provoked it, and responding to the NBA and local authorities,” Detroit stated.
A Suns’ spokesperson called the attack on Eubanks unprovoked and acceptable, while Pistons coach Williams claimed that he spoke to Stewart, who told him his perspective of the incident. He then went on to note that the Suns’ statement was irresponsible.
Phoenix Police arrested Stewart for assault and released him after issuing a citation.
BREAKING NEWS from @azfamily Phoenix Police arrested Isaiah Stewart for assaulting Drew Eubanks. Stewart was issued a citation and released. The investigation remains active.
— Mark McClune (@MarkMcClune) February 15, 2024
KEVIN DURANT LED SUNS TO VICTORY IN A SENTIMENTAL GAME FOR COACH MONTY WILLIAMS
The contest between Suns and Pistons saw an aspect of added interest – it was Pistons coach Monty Williams’ first match in Phoenix since his impressive run as the coach of Suns. Under his tutelage, the team had reached the NBA finals in 2021. Quite expectedly, Williams received a video tribute and a loud applause from the audience before the match began.
Devin Booker was ejected early in the match after his second technical foul. Kevin Durant, however, helped the team overcome the absence of his fellow all-star and led the Suns to a convenient victory.
Durant was surprised about Booker’s early ejection. “I guess (Booker) said something that ticked the ref off, but they were on edge before the game anyway because of the situation and they thought it might escalate. I can see it from their perspective, but I just think the techs were too quick,” he noted following the game.
READ MORE: Kansas City Chiefs parade shooting : Heroic fan tackles gunman amidst horror
