Pistons’ Cade Cunningham breaks down Isaiah Stewart’s importance amid NBA Playoffs

Cade Cunningham shouldered the scoring load for the Detroit Pistons in Game 2. But Isaiah Stewart earned some roses from the all-star after their 98-83 dismantling of the Orlando Magic Wednesday during the NBA Playoffs.

Stewart settled for only 10 points on the offensive side. But Cunningham, who dropped a game-high 27, praised the 6-foot-8 big for another reason.

The face of the Pistons literally delivered a scouting report on what makes Stewart so effective.

“Protecting the rim, dominating inside, getting us extra shots…I mean doing it all,” Cunningham told reporters afterward postgame. “He’s such a versatile player.”

"Protecting the rim, dominating inside… getting us extra shots. I mean doing it all. He's such a versatile player."

Cade Cunningham gives Isaiah Stewart his flowers after Game 2 impact

(via @NBA)pic.twitter.com/vCfaN4XSUX

— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) April 23, 2026

Stewart joined Detroit’s block party on a night franchise legend Ben Wallace sat in the crowd. The 24-year-old ignited Little Caesars Arena through this thunderous swat during the third quarter.

BIG-TIME SWAT.

That was UNREAL, Isaiah Stewart

Detroit in full control in G2… with a win tonight, they even the series with Orlando at 1–1! pic.twitter.com/Gvo99Hinus

— NBA (@NBA) April 23, 2026

He executed one more block: This one against the Magic’s top scorer Paolo Banchero during the fourth quarter.

Isaiah Stewart with a tremendous block on Paolo Banchero's two-handed dunk attempt (with replays).

The Pistons successfully challenged the initial foul call on Stewart. pic.twitter.com/NVB8IhoR1N

— MrBuckBuck (@MrBuckBuckNBA) April 23, 2026

Stewart himself became blunt about why he takes defense so seriously.

“I’m willing to lay my body on the line to make those plays…for my teammates and coaches to feed off of it,” Stewart said postgame. “When you meet someone at the rim, it says a lot.”

The past Washington Huskies star loves and embrace the Pistons’ defensive culture.

“I’m cut from that cloth. I don’t feel that weight because it’s just who I am and I enjoy carrying the identity for this team because that’s why I was drafted here for,” he said postgame.

Detroit snapped a lengthy home playoff losing streak in the victory thanks to the “versatile” weapon Cunningham described.

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