Isaiah Stewart addresses Pistons’ defensive struggles
The Detroit Pistons kicked off the new year with a disappointing ninth loss of the regular season, falling to the Miami Heat on Thursday night. Despite this setback, Detroit remains firmly positioned at the top of the Eastern Conference, boasting an impressive 25-9 record. The New York Knicks trail closely behind, sitting just 1.5 games back as they prepare to face the Atlanta Hawks later tonight.
Injury woes and shifting responsibilities
A significant moment in the matchup against Miami came when Jalen Duren went down with an ankle injury. While attempting a euro step toward the basket, he landed awkwardly, rolling his ankle in the process. Following Duren’s departure, Isaiah Stewart stepped up to assume primary center duties. After the game, he took the opportunity to reflect on the team’s recent performance, especially on the defensive end.
A concerning trend in defense
With three losses in their last four games, concerns about the Pistons’ defense are beginning to surface. Although the team has maintained a solid No. 2 ranking in the NBA for defensive rating—an indicator of how many points a team allows per 100 possessions—Stewart acknowledged a noticeable decline.
“Of course, definitely. You know, we haven’t played to our standard on that side of the floor,” Stewart remarked. “What we’re known for on that side of the floor hasn’t been there this last stretch out west or even tonight.” His candid admission signals the urgency for improvement, as the team grapples with expectations set by their earlier performances.
The need for a defensive reset
Detroit’s recent games have seen them averaging 125 points per game, yet they also rank fourth in points allowed, giving up 112.7 per game. This juxtaposition of offensive prowess and defensive slippage raises eyebrows. The team’s defensive shortcomings are evident through both advanced statistics and the eye test, prompting Stewart to elaborate on necessary adjustments.
To rectify their defensive issues, Stewart emphasized the importance of adopting a more aggressive mindset. “We have to look at ourselves in the mirror and challenge ourselves, each one of us, to be the best we can on that end because that’s what this team is about,” he explained. “We’re a defensive team, and it starts on the defensive end and translates to offense.”
Fast break efficiency and future outlook
Currently, the Pistons rank third in the league for fast break points, averaging 18.2 per game. Stewart’s analysis aligns with this statistic; a strong defensive effort can facilitate efficient offense without relying solely on halfcourt sets. The team’s ability to generate points in transition showcases how intertwined their defensive identity is with their offensive success.
Looking forward, the status of Jalen Duren remains uncertain for the upcoming game against the Cleveland Cavaliers on January 4 at 2:00 p.m. Eastern. If Duren is unable to play, Stewart is poised to see increased minutes, with Paul Reed and rookie Tolu Smith likely stepping up to fill the gap in the frontcourt.
As the Pistons prepare for their next challenge, the focus will be on reclaiming their defensive standards and translating that intensity into consistent performance on both ends of the court.
