Games between the Indiana Pacers and Detroit Pistons are usually heated, even two decades after the infamous "Malice at the Palace," and that was evident during tonight's battle between the two teams.
Early in the second quarter, Pistons big Isaiah Stewart was ejected after shoving Pacers center Thomas Bryant. Additionally, at the end of the first quarter, Stewart and James Johnson received technical fouls for a verbal altercation.
Isaiah Stewart was ejected from Pistons-Pacers after shoving Thomas Bryant. pic.twitter.com/y28vkYjaPL
— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) January 30, 2025
Pacers writer Scott Agness also said that, after his ejection, Stewart gave the middle finger to the crowd on his way out.
Isaiah Stewart needs to get his temper in check, second time he’s caused a confrontation.
— Scott Agness (@ScottAgness) January 30, 2025
After review, he’s given a Flagrant 2 and ejected after a direct shove of Bryant.
Then flicks off the fans on his way out
At the time of the shove, the Pistons were trailing the Pacers by 14, which could have led to some extra frustration for Stewart. Before his ejection, he recorded one point, one assist, and two fouls in eight minutes.
Isaiah Stewart was ejected from game vs. Pacers after just 8 minutes
As many Pacers fans know, this is not the only time Stewart has acted out against the team. Earlier this month, Stewart made a comment to Myles Turner, saying "You play with Legos" after the game. On its own, Stewart's remark is nothing to take too seriously, but considering that it was in the midst of a scuffle makes it a bit more significant.
The Pistons big man is known to be one of the more physical players on the court, but it is not necessarily a good thing. He has regularly gotten into fights with opposing players and even got suspended multiple games last season after a verbal and physical altercation with then Phoenix Suns big man Drew Eubanks. Furthermore, Stewart has previously gotten into altercations with players like LeBron James and Wendell Carter Jr.
At this point, it is too early to know if Stewart will face any other repercussions for the shove, whether it be by the team or the league. However, the New York native is a good player who provides value for the Pistons. Considering that they are a team aiming for a playoff spot this year, it is crucial that Stewart keeps his composure when needed and stays available as much as possible.
Indiana and Detroit do not face each other again this season (barring a playoff matchup), so it will be a long time before Pacers fans get another look at Stewart. However, the next time the Pacers meet up with Stewart, fans will likely keep an extra eye to see how the team responds.