Pistons’ Isaiah Stewart Punched Suns’ Drew Eubanks in Tunnels of Arena Before Game, per Report

The two players had to be separated in the tunnels of Footprint Center.

Detroit Pistons center Isaiah Stewart and Phoenix Suns forward Drew Eubanks got into an altercation before the Pistons-Suns game on Wednesday that resulted in Stewart punching Eubanks in the face, The Athletic’s Shams Charania reports.

The two players went chest-to-chest in the tunnels of Footprint Center in Phoenix, but it is unclear how the altercation started. Police eventually needed to get involved to separate the players, per Charania, and the NBA is expected to investigate the situation.

Eubanks later told Kellan Olson of arizonasports.com that the incident began while he was entering the arena, but he is still available for the game.

“Soft punch,” Eubanks said. 

Eubanks is good to go for tonight. He’s playing.

“Soft punch.”

— Kellan Olson (@KellanOlson) February 15, 2024

Stewart has played in 35 games this season, averaging 11.0 points and 6.8 rebounds per game, but hasn’t played since late January as he recovers from an ankle injury. The center is expected to return to action after the All-Star break.

Eubanks has appeared in 48 games for the Suns, averaging 5.6 points and 4.2 rebounds per game.

The Suns and Pistons will face off at 9:00 p.m. ET on Wednesday night.