A FIGHT between two players broke out before the start of the Detroit Pistons contest against the Phoenix Suns.

Pistons big man Isaiah Stewart, 22, was arrested after reportedly punched Phoenix center Drew Eubanks, 27, in the back tunnels as the teams were set to face off on Wednesday night.

Isaiah Stewart was involved in a fight on Wednesday and arrestedCredit: Getty

Drew Eubanks called the incident a ‘sucker punch’Credit: Getty Images – Getty
The bust-up happened at the Footprint Center in Detroit, where the Suns faced the Pistons.

Stewart was released with a citation issued, Phoenix police said.

It’s unclear what sparked the altercation but the two players were “chest to chest” at one point before a punche was thrown, according to The Athletic’s Shams Charania.

Eubanks reportedly was punched in the lip area before cops came in to break up and defuse the altercation.

“Police needed to get involved to separate the two and were called to the scene. Stewart left the arena following the altercation with members of the Pistons’ staff,” the report states.

Eubanks addressed the situation and gave his side of the story when talking to the media before the game.

He said that he was going to the locker room inside the arena when he was stopped by Stewart.

Eubanks said that after the two exchanged words, Stewart “sucker-punched him,” per The Arizona Republic.

The Suns released a statement condemning the situation, calling it “unacceptable.”

“The attack on Drew Eubanks was unprovoked, and acts of violence such as this are unacceptable,” a spokesperson said.

“We unequivocally support Drew and will continue to work with local law enforcement and the NBA.”

The NBA is expected to receive footage to review and determine suspensions and fines.

It’s not the first time Stewart and Eubanks have had words for each other.

In the two teams’ first meeting in November, the big men were seen battling it out.

And it’s also not the first time we’ve seen Stewart get into a fight.

He notably chased Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James in 2021 after being hit in the face, causing the NBA to suspend him for two games for his reaction.

The Suns and Pistons are having completely opposite seasons through the first 50 games played this year.

Detroit entered the contest with a league-worst record at 8-45 while Phoenix is 32-22 and currently fifth in the Western Conference.

Stewart was not expected to play tonight against the Suns as he has been out since January 28 with an ankle injury.

He is averaging 11.0 points and 6.8 rebounds in 35 games, while Eubanks is contributing to the Suns with 5.6 points and 4.2 rebounds in 48 games played.