Pistons’ JB Bickerstaff praised Isaiah Stewart after the win

Friday’s winning finish came again in rough fashion Detroit Pistons against the Portland Trail Blazers.

Detroit relies on its defensive identity when it was most needed, and the backbone of that was the center Isaiah Stewart. Stewart made his mark in the 122-116 win with four blocks, marking his fifth game of the season with at least four blocks. Pistons head coach JB Bickerstaff wasn’t shy expressing his admiration for Stewart’s value to the team. He was very supportive of Detroit’s defensive anchor during the postgame media session.

“He’s the best defensive center in the league, and it’s not close. I think it’s time for everyone who watches basketball to recognize that,” Bickerstaff said. “It’s not just something we see here in Detroit, he’s the best defensive player in the game.”

Detroit is currently the fourth best team in the NBA’s defensive rating, and Stewart is the main reason for that. The Pistons’ backup big man is averaging a career-high 2.1 blocks in 22 minutes per game this season. Stewart’s impact goes beyond the numbers as his production has helped build the foundation of this team. His defensive focus and versatility have been important factors for the Pistons all season. Stewart’s teammates recognize and appreciating those efforts as well.

“I think he’s the best defensive player in the league. I’d like to see him win the Defensive Player of the Year award, because he deserves it,” Cade Cunningham he told the media. “I see the opponent’s best defenders all the time. I’m thankful I don’t have to see Stew every night. He’s just different; he does everything. He can guard a quick, shifty point guard, he can guard a bruising big man. He can do it all and he’ll meet everybody on the edge.”

Tough battle between Pistons, Blazers

The Pistons have embraced physical contests against their opponents all year and reached a new high against the Blazers. The referees called 64 personal fouls between both teams. Portland got 35 fouls and Detroit got 29 of their own.

The incessant whistle constantly changed the tempo of the game. The Pistons made 36 of 48 free throws and the Blazers hit 32 of 35. Bickerstaff talked about how the boys were able to fight and persevere on their way to their 18th victory.

“That’s growth for us, right? Things were happening out of our control, and instead of reacting to it, we went out and did the job. I give our guys a ton of credit for that because it wasn’t easy,” Bickerstaff said. “(The fouls were) frustrating. Last year, I think it would have upset us. But this year you saw the maturation of our group. They were able to help handle it well, stay calm and then go out and execute.”

The Blazers were fouled by three different players in the fourth quarter. The Pistons were hampered by foul trouble early on with six different players picking up at least two fouls in the first half.

Six different Pistons players also finished in double figures in scoring. Cunningham led the Pistons with 29 points and nine assists on Friday night. Center Jalen Duren scored 18 points in 27 minutes. Forward Ron Holland had an impressive night with 17 points off the bench. Forward Ausar Thompson scored 15 points on 6-of-12 shooting from the field. Guard Duncan Robinson returned from an ankle injury to score 14 points.