Detroit Pistons forward-center Isaiah Stewart has been suspended two games without pay for his role in escalating an on-court altercation, the NBA announced Tuesday. The suspension was issued by Joe Dumars, the league’s executive vice president and head of basketball operations, who cited Stewart’s history of unsportsmanlike conduct as a factor in the decision.
Four other players—Pistons forward Ron Holland II, guard Marcus Sasser, Minnesota Timberwolves center-forward Naz Reid, and guard Donte DiVincenzo—received one-game suspensions without pay for their involvement in the incident.
The altercation occurred during the second quarter of the Timberwolves’ 123-104 victory over the Pistons on March 30 at Target Center. The sequence began when Holland II committed a defensive foul on Reid with 8:36 remaining in the quarter. Reid responded by pointing at and confronting Holland II, who then pushed DiVincenzo. In return, DiVincenzo shoved Holland II in the chest, leading to a scuffle that sent the three players into the spectator stands.
Stewart and Sasser entered the confrontation near the stands, shoving DiVincenzo and Reid, and further escalating the situation. All five players received technical fouls and were ejected.
Reid and DiVincenzo will serve their suspensions Tuesday night when the Timberwolves face the Denver Nuggets at Ball Arena. Stewart will begin his two-game suspension Wednesday when the Pistons visit the Oklahoma City Thunder at Paycom Center. Holland II and Sasser will also miss Wednesday’s game.
