Detroit Pistons forward Isaiah Stewart during an NBA game.
Isaiah Stewart’s nickname (“Beef Stew”) didn’t come from nowhere, and Feb. 9 added another entry to a growing file the NBA already knows by heart.
Stewart was ejected in the third quarter of Pistons vs. Hornets after a fight that also got Miles Bridges, Moussa Diabate and Jalen Duren tossed. The Associated Press described Duren hitting Diabate in the face with an open hand after the two went chest-to-chest, sparking a confrontation that lasted more than 30 seconds.
Kevin O'Connor
This angle of the Hornets/Pistons brawl is crazy
The bigger story for Detroit: when Stewart is involved, the league doesn’t treat it like a blank slate. In a previous discipline decision, the NBA’s Joe Dumars cited Stewart’s “repeated history of unsportsmanlike acts” when assigning him a longer suspension than others.
What happened in Hornets-Pistons, and why Stewart’s name jumps off the page
This incident started with Duren and Diabate, then escalated into a wider scrum that pulled in Bridges and Stewart. With multiple ejections and the optics of swinging/chasing, this is the type of play the NBA reviews quickly after the game.
But Stewart’s “what happens next” is different because he’s not just a participant — he’s a repeat reference point for the league.
The full Isaiah Stewart fight/ejection/discipline history (NBA-level)
Whenever a scuffle breaks out the Pistons should've had at least 2 assistants assigned to make sure Stewart doesn't get loose. https://t.co/R7Kr6QUId9
— Chris Hine (@ChristopherHine) February 10, 2026
Here’s the most complete, game-to-game rundown of Stewart’s notable brawls, altercations, and discipline in the NBA:
March 26, 2021 — Ejected vs. Nets (Flagrant 2 after review) Stewart was ejected after a lengthy review in a heated moment involving Blake Griffin.
Nov. 21, 2021 — “Malice-at-the-Palace vibes” vs. Lakers (LeBron incident) Stewart was ejected after repeatedly pursuing LeBron James following a blow that left Stewart bloodied. The NBA later suspended Stewart two games for escalating the altercation by “repeatedly and aggressively pursuing” James.
Dec. 13–14, 2023 — Ejected vs. 76ers (Flagrant 2 on Patrick Beverley) Stewart was ejected after being assessed a Flagrant 2 in a game against Philadelphia.
Feb. 14, 2024 — Pregame punch vs. Suns (Drew Eubanks) Stewart was arrested/cited after punching Drew Eubanks before the Pistons-Suns game.
Feb. 22, 2024 — NBA discipline: 3-game suspension (Eubanks) The NBA suspended Stewart three games without pay for initiating a physical altercation, saying he punched and pushed Eubanks.
Jan. 29, 2025 — Flagrant 2 ejection vs. Pacers (Thomas Bryant) Stewart was ejected after a Flagrant 2 involving Thomas Bryant, with reporting describing a hard forearm/shoulder into Bryant that sent him down.
Jan. 31, 2025 — Automatic suspension + $50,000 fine (Pacers incident) The NBA hit Stewart with an automatic one-game suspension via the flagrant-points system and a $50,000 fine for “inappropriate and objectionable gestures” after the ejection.
Mar. 30 / Apr. 1, 2025 — Timberwolves-Pistons brawl (2-game suspension) After a fight that spilled toward the spectator area, Stewart received a two-game suspension while others got one — with the NBA citing his “repeated history of unsportsmanlike acts.”
Dec. 4, 2025 — Ejected vs. Bucks after confrontation (Bobby Portis) Stewart was ejected after getting into it with Bobby Portis and picking up a second technical.
Feb. 9, 2026 — Ejected in Hornets-Pistons brawl (latest) Stewart and three others were tossed in the latest benches-clearing-style scrum.
Why this matters now: “history” can be the tiebreaker
The NBA’s discipline process is often about role: who escalated, who swung, who chased, who kept it going after officials intervened. But with Stewart, the league has already shown it will use prior conduct as the reason to add games.
So even before the NBA announces anything from Monday night, Stewart’s full track record is the context that makes this a real punishment watch — not just another midseason scuffle.
FAQ
Was Isaiah Stewart ejected in the Hornets-Pistons fight?
Yes. Stewart was one of four players ejected in the Hornets-Pistons brawl, along with Miles Bridges, Moussa Diabate and Jalen Duren.
Will Isaiah Stewart be suspended?
It’s possible. The NBA typically reviews multi-player altercations after the game and can issue supplemental discipline (fines/suspensions) depending on who escalated things and whether swings/pursuit occurred.
Why does Stewart’s history matter for NBA discipline?
Because the league has previously referenced his “repeated history of unsportsmanlike acts” when assigning him a longer suspension than others in a separate brawl.
What is Isaiah Stewart’s biggest prior fight incident?
The most nationally prominent was the Nov. 2021 Lakers-Pistons incident involving LeBron James, after which Stewart was suspended two games for repeatedly pursuing James.
When does the NBA usually announce punishments after a fight?
Often within 24–48 hours, but timing can vary depending on the complexity of the incident and the league’s review process. If discipline is coming, it’s commonly announced the next day.