It wasn't a friendly Valentine's Day for Pistons forward Isaiah Stewart or Suns big man Drew Eubanks, who made headlines with a bizarre pregame altercation more than a week ago. Now, Stewart is facing discipline from the NBA.
The league handed down a suspension for Stewart on Thursday, shortly before a misdemeanor assault charge against the Pistons big as a result of the punch was dropped. Stewart had been set for a Friday court appearance before the news.
Stewart "sucker punched" Eubanks near the entrance to the Footprint Center on Feb. 14, though what prompted the incident is still unclear. Eubanks wasn't seriously hurt and was able to play later that night, while Stewart was already listed as out with an ankle injury.
Here are the details on Stewart's suspension and when he will return for the Pistons.
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How long is Isaiah Stewart's suspended?
The NBA announced a three-game suspension for Stewart on Thursday for "initiating a physical altercation" with Eubanks.
Isaiah Stewart gets a 3-game suspension pic.twitter.com/9dhyqmEx29
— Keith Langlois (@Keith_Langlois) February 22, 2024
Stewart was dealing with an ankle injury before the incident, but the league says the ban is set to begin Thursday night with the 23-year-old forward now healthier. Stewart will miss games against the Pacers, Magic, and Knicks.
Stewart might have been fortunate to avoid a lengthier suspension considering this isn't his first offense. He was suspended two games for charging at LeBron James in a brawl between the Pistons and Lakers in 2021, and Stewart challenged Hornets rookie Brandon Miller to a fight in October.
Eubanks cited Stewart's previous run-ins with other players when he spoke to reporters on the night of the punch, saying, "Clearly you can see what he does, how he acts on the court, so it wasn’t surprising."
Stewart is averaging 11.0 points and 6.8 rebounds per game across 35 games (34 starts) for the Pistons this season. Detroit is just 5-30 when Stewart plays, though the Pistons didn't find much success regardless of who was on the court in a tumultuous 8-46 first half.
