The Detroit Pistons will face additional challenges in the coming games as the NBA announced on Thursday that forward Isaiah Stewart has been suspended for three games.
The suspension comes after Stewart initiated an altercation with Phoenix Suns center Drew Eubanks before the Suns’ 116–100 victory over the Pistons on February 14.
The following has been released by the NBA. pic.twitter.com/nK71vt3t9W
— NBA Communications (@NBAPR) February 22, 2024
The league’s investigation revealed that the 22-year-old Stewart was responsible for “punching and pushing Eubanks during the altercation,” leading to his suspension. The incident also led to Stewart’s arrest and citation for assault by the Phoenix Police Department.
ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski reported that the assault charge against Stewart was dismissed, as indicated in a filing in the Phoenix Municipal Court. Despite this development, the NBA deemed the on-court altercation deserving of a three-game suspension.
An assault charge against Isaiah Stewart has been dismissed, according to a filing in the Phoenix Municipal Court. https://t.co/wMoEFZpMhF
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) February 22, 2024
The Detroit Pistons, currently in one of their worst seasons in franchise history, will miss Stewart’s presence on the court. Heading into the All-Star break with a dismal record of 8–46, the team is on pace to potentially surpass the franchise’s all-time single-season record of 16–66, held by the 1979-80 Pistons.
Despite the team’s struggles, Stewart has been a bright spot, contributing an average of 11 points and 6.8 rebounds per game in his fourth season in the league.
On the other side, Phoenix Suns’ Drew Eubanks, primarily playing as a reserve, has been a consistent contributor, averaging 5.7 points and 4.3 rebounds per game in his sixth year in the NBA.
