Detroit Pistons big man Isaiah Stewart thought his team did not play like a defensive team when they went 1-3 last week. They returned to winning ways after winning against the streaking Cleveland Cavaliers at the Rocket Arena. Team leader Cade Cunningham just validated his opinion.
“We got out, got stops, and took care of the ball better in the second half,” Cunningham told the courtside reporter shortly after the win.
“Then, just getting out and running — that’s our identity. Early on, we were kind of timid getting into the paint and a little soft, which made it easier on them. Then we tightened it up, got more aggressive, and it was better for us.”
Stewart said a few days ago that they haven’t been performing well on the defensive and and thought they needed to do some reflection. He exemplified that by providing the most important stop on Sunday night when he blocked Donovan Mitchell’s mid-range shot that could have tied the game at 108 with under 40 seconds to go.
Isaiah Stewart shut down Donovan Mitchell on the perimeter, ultimately winning Detroit the game.
Defensive Player of The Month, and should be a lock for All-Defense.
— Zariq (@zariqxavier) January 4, 2026
Cade Cunningham says Stew is a luxury to have
Pistons are making a leap this season. They are currently the no. 1 team in the Eastern Conference, something that is amazing given how deep they were in the trenches two seasons ago.
Stewart, now a DPOY candidate, is the one who’s been through it all and Cunningham feels lucky to have him in this run.
“He made a huge impact — you see it in how he closed the game out. He switched onto Donovan Mitchell, one of the toughest guards to defend in the league, and did a great job,” the MVP candidate said.
“He does a great job on everybody, so it’s a luxury to have someone like that on your team. Stew is the anchor of our defense. He always has been, so it’s a luxury to have him.”
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