Detroit Pistons fans were excited to receive a bobblehead of big man Isaiah Stewart on Friday night, but their excitement was short-lived. The NBA announced that Stewart would be suspended for the game after picking up a sixth flagrant foul point this season.
The flagrant foul came after Stewart checked an opponent, Thomas Bryant, on a shot attempt, causing Bryant to need to be held back by his teammates. The incident occurred on Wednesday and resulted in an automatic ejection for Stewart. The league also fined him $50,000 for making “inappropriate and objectionable gestures” after the game.
The Pistons and Pacers have a history of animosity, dating back to the infamous Malice at the Palace in 2004. However, the Pistons have been a pleasant surprise this season, sitting in eighth place in the Eastern Conference with a 23-24 record.
Despite Stewart’s suspension, the Pistons still gave out 5,000 bobbleheads to fans. The team has come a long way since last season, when they set an NBA record for most consecutive losses at 27, resulting in the firing of coach Monty Williams.