The Detroit Pistons finished their season with 44 wins, the most since 2015-16, earning the No. 6 seed in the Eastern Conference playoffs before falling in the first round to the New York Knicks in six closely contested games. Isaiah Stewart’s impact Pistons Knicks series was a pivotal storyline, as the young big man missed all but part of the opening game due to knee inflammation, raising questions about how his presence might have changed the outcome.
The series between Detroit and New York was tightly fought throughout, with five out of six games decided by six points or fewer. After the Knicks won the first game by 11 points, the remaining contests were intensely competitive, often coming down to the final possession.
Defensive Matchup Highlighted Stewart’s Potential Influence
In Game 1, Stewart played 19 minutes, tallying two points and five rebounds before exiting with a knee issue that sidelined him for the rest of the series. His defensive role, especially guarding the Knicks’ star big man Karl-Anthony Towns, stood out as a crucial factor. Stewart’s strong defense had previously contained Towns effectively during the regular season, notably in a win over New York where Towns shot just 2 for 7 with Stewart as his primary defender.
Without Stewart, Towns dominated, averaging 19.7 points and 10 rebounds on impressive shooting splits (49% overall, 48% from three-point range, and 90% on free throws) during the series, which tilted the balance in New York’s favor.
Expert Opinion Supports Impact of Stewart’s Injury on Series Outcome
Basketball analyst Sam Vecenie of The Athletic expressed the belief that the Pistons would have triumphed in the first round if Stewart had been fully healthy. His assessment underscores how small factors made a significant difference in a closely matched playoff series.
“Sam Vecenie of The Athletic thought If Isaiah Stewart was 100% they would have defeated the New York Knicks In the first round.” —Sam Vecenie, Analyst
Details on Pistons’ Roster Moves and Free Agency Updates
Following the end of their playoff run, the Pistons have been active in shaping their roster for the future. Recent announcements include the signing of Duncan Robinson to a new contract, confirmed trades, and the addition of Caris LeVert, signaling Detroit’s commitment to strengthening their lineup. Additionally, the team’s handling of Paul Reed has drawn mixed reactions from analysts examining the club’s strategic decisions during this period.
Stewart’s Role Highlights Pistons’ Close Playoff Contention
The tight margins in the Pistons-Knicks series emphasize how vital Isaiah Stewart’s defensive presence could have been in shifting the results. Detroit’s ability to stay competitive without him illustrates their resilience, but also points to what might have been if their key big man had remained healthy. As the Pistons continue to build their team, Stewart’s health and impact will be closely watched, influencing the franchise’s prospects in coming seasons.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. What happened with Isaiah Stewart?
A. On December 23, 2023, Stewart received a flagrant-2 foul and was removed from a game against the Philadelphia 76ers for fouling Patrick Beverley. On February 14, 2024, Stewart was arrested in Phoenix for assault after he punched Drew Eubanks in the parking lot of Footprint Center before a game with the Phoenix Suns.
Q. What happened to Isaiah Stewart?
A. On February 14, 2024, Stewart was arrested in Phoenix for assault. He punched Drew Eubanks in the parking lot of Footprint Center before their game against the Phoenix Suns. After being cited, Stewart was let go. The NBA then suspended him for three games.