Pistons forward / center Isaiah Stewart received some national recognition earlier today
This season, Stewart sent a loud message to the rest of the NBA that they should attack the Pistons’ rim at their own peril. Stewart averages a pair of thunderous blocks each game, and he’s made a terrific case for his inclusion in the All-Defensive team this season– if he becomes eligible. Right now, Stewart is likely to miss the minutes / games played requirements, which is a shame considering the impact Beef Stew provides on that end of the court.
In fact, Stewart was named the Eastern Conference’s Defensive Player of the Month, and it’s about time Beef Stew received some plaudits for his smothering defense. But last night, Stewart’s shot-blocking knack was not enough to deter the Heat in what was a 118-112 loss for the Pistons on their home court.
Over the past two weeks, the Pistons have slipped a bit on the defensive side of the ball, and it’s resulted in a 2-3 record for Detroit in that timespan. Over the last five games, the Pistons have allowed at least one 30+ point scorer in each game with the Jazz putting forth two 30-point efforts with Lauri Markkanen and Keyonte George on Friday, Dec. 26.
So, Detroit’s stingy defense has looked more porous than usual in recent games, and it’s a concerning trend that is not reflective of how the Pistons want to play. In particular, Pistons forward / center Isaiah Stewart takes an immense pride in his defensive performance, and he’s been unsatisfied with Detroit’s inability to make crucial stops late in games.
“We haven’t played to our standard on that side of the floor,” Stewart said after the Pistons’ 118-112 loss to the Miami Heat on Thursday. “What we are known for on that side of the floor hasn’t been there this last stretch out West and even tonight. We have to look ourselves in the mirror and challenge ourselves, each and every one of us, to be the best we can on that end because that’s what this team is about. We’re a defensive team. It starts on defense then translates to offense.”
That’s the type of complimentary basketball that Detroit wants to play this season– forcing turnovers that spark the transition game and result in easy baskets. That’s the recipe the Pistons used to climb to the No. 1 spot in the Eastern Conference this season, and it’s the blueprint they’ll look to return to immediately.
“We have to get back to our standard on that side of the ball,” Stewart said.
From a personal perspective, Stewart actually had one of his best defensive performances of the season. With five blocks to his credit, Stewart was impacting Miami shots all night, and he was wildly effective as an on-ball defender with an opposing field goal rate of 2-for-18.
Detroit will look to regroup before traveling to Cleveland for a 2 pm tip-off on Sunday, Jan. 4.
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