Isaiah Stewart’s 31-point game highlights his ability to make the first team

Deapite deals another shorthand listthe Detroit Pistons they haven’t lost their momentum. They are now on a three-game winning streak after beating the Chicago Bulls 108-93 on Wednesday night.

The Pistons entered the game with numerous injuries again. While missing Cade Cunningham, Jalen Durenand Tobias Harris, Detroit embraced a next-man-up mentality en route to its 28th regular-season win. The mainstay of the Pistons’ victory was a career-high performance from the center Isaiah Stewart.

Stewart was unstoppable against the Bulls, scoring a total of 31 points on 14-of-17 shooting from the field. That scoring prowess overcame the Pistons’ injury concerns. Detroit got off to a rough start in the first half as a team. Outside of Stewart, the Pistons went 13 of 37 from the field and 4 of 18 from 3-point range in the first two periods.

Detroit was able to come back thanks to its defense, a dominant fourth quarter and Stewart’s efficient offensive dominance. Pistons coach JB Bickerstaff was impressed with the breakout performance of his starting center against Chicago.

“That’s who he is, isn’t he? It’s not new. It’s not different. It’s his ability and desire to just do what’s best for this team in any way, in any way he can. He knew we were losing goals (options), obviously,” Bickerstaff explained after the game. “He got the ball to his spots and was extremely aggressive to help us put points on the board at times when we were really struggling to score the basketball.”

“Again, that’s to his credit, his willingness to just do what’s right for this team and accept any role. He’s done everything for us on both ends of the floor.”

Stewart shared some candid thoughts with the media in the locker room after the win. He even admitted it shades of shock in himself how well he played offensively.

“I’ll be honest with you, I didn’t think I’d touch 31 or 30 at this level just because of my role and the way I play,” Stewart told the media. “But when you have guys down and you need another drive to attack, tonight I thought I was going to be ultra-aggressive, try to make the right shots, try to get us going.”

Guard Duncan Robinson added 12 points in 23 minutes for the Pistons. Detroit also got 11 points apiece from Auzar Thompson, Ron Holland and JaVonte Green.

Point guard Danis Jenkins came off the Pistons bench and completed his career performance. He had the most impressive passing night of his NBA career by dishing out 15 assists.

Defense was Detroit’s calling card in Wednesday night’s win, aside from Stewart’s impressive night. The Pistons limited the Bulls to 16 points in the fourth quarter and doubled their total to 32. They also forced the Bulls into 17 turnovers on offense.

“I mean, that was the spark for us the whole time. It was kind of ugly and uncomfortable tonight. Offensively, we couldn’t get into rhythm. But we knew if we could get our feet, we could get out in transition, we could figure out a way,” Bickerstaff said. “For us, it’s always going to come down to the defensive end of the floor. That’s our catalyst. That’s what drives our offense. It drives the energy, the spirit of the guys. So again, I think we did a great job of figuring out how to stop and then let the offense come from that.”