Pistons star Isaiah Stewart ‘PUNCHED rival Drew Eubanks in the FACE’ before Detroit’s game against Phoenix Suns with ‘police forced to intervene’

Detroit Pistons power forward Isaiah Stewart reportedly punched Phoenix Suns power forward Drew Eubanks ahead their game on Wednesday night, according to The Athletic.

The two players were said to have gone chest-to-chest during an argument before Stewart connected with a punch to Eubank’s lip area. 

Both players were quickly separated after police and security intervened and inspected the area.

The reasons for the altercation are not yet clear, but it was noted that the two players were extra aggressive with each other during their previous meeting on November 5 and had been verbally sparring throughout game.

NBA officials are expected to receive and review footage of the incident before taking further action. 

The two players were arguing chest-to-chest before Eubanks was hit in the lip area

Despite the altercation Eubanks is set to play tonight and referred to the shot to his face as a ‘soft punch,’ according to AZ Sports Kellan Olson. He was also seen participating in warmups two hours before gametime.

He has appeared in 48 games this season and averaged 5.6 points and 4.2 rebounds while playing an average of 16 minutes per game.

Stewart, meanwhile, has missed the last several games for Detroit due to an ankle injury and had joined the team during their West Coast road trip to prepare to be inserted back into the lineup following the All-Star break.

Before his spell on the sidelines Stewart had been averaging 11 points and 6.8 rebounds through 35 games.

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