Before the Phoenix Suns' 116-100 victory over the Detroit Pistons on Wednesday, an altercation occurred between Pistons power forward Isaiah Stewart and Suns power forward Drew Eubanks in the Footprint Center parking lot. Sources confirmed to The NewsBuzz247 that Stewart punched Eubanks in the face. Following the incident, Stewart was arrested for assault by the Phoenix Police Department and issued a citation before being released. The exact cause of the altercation is unknown.
According to Phoenix Police Sergeant Phil Krynsky, the altercation took place around 4:45 p.m. local time, with officers responding to a fight between the two players in the arena's parking lot. Witnesses reported that the argument began upon the players' arrival at the arena and escalated into a physical confrontation. Stewart allegedly punched Eubanks, causing a minor injury. Security intervened, separating the players, and detectives are now investigating the incident.
Both the NBA and the teams involved are expected to review footage of the altercation. In a statement prior to Stewart's arrest, the Pistons expressed awareness of the incident and stated they were gathering information. The Suns condemned the attack as unprovoked and unacceptable, offering their full support to Eubanks. This incident follows a previous matchup between the two teams where both players exhibited aggressive behavior.
Pistons coach Monty Williams commented on the incident postgame, stating a desire to gather all relevant information before making any further statements. Stewart, who has been recovering from an ankle injury, traveled with the Pistons on their West Coast trip to prepare for a return after the All-Star break. Eubanks, despite the altercation, was able to play in the game and contributed six points, eight rebounds, two steals, and two blocks in 18 minutes of action.
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