Cleveland — Isaiah Stewart received an entry pass from Duncan Robinson and scored with a driving right-handed layup on Saturday afternoon. His basket marked the last points for the Detroit Pistons in the first half of Game 3, reducing their 16-point deficit to 14 with 27 seconds remaining.
As the buzzer sounded, Stewart walked to the visiting locker room at Rocket Arena after playing nine minutes off the bench. At that moment, it appeared Stewart had done enough to earn additional playing time in the second half. However, by the end of Game 3, a 116-109 loss, Stewart did not play a single minute in the second half.
Coach J.B. Bickerstaff chose Paul Reed as the Pistons’ main backup center behind Jalen Duren. Reed played a crucial role in helping the Pistons rally from a 17-point deficit. However, Stewart’s absence in the second half was significant, as it marked the third time this postseason he played fewer than 10 minutes.
Stewart — who was a key rotation player during the regular season — told The Detroit News his decreased playing time in the playoffs is not due to an injury, but rather a result of Bickerstaff’s preferred game plan.
“I’m 100% healthy,” Stewart said. “I know people are wondering if the reason I’m playing short minutes and short stints is injury-related, but it is not. I’ve been available to play. … When my name is not called, but P. Reed’s is, I cheer for him. He did his thing (in Game 3). He went out there and brought the energy for us.”
Before suffering a left calf strain injury in mid-March, Stewart had established himself as the Pistons’ primary sixth man. He averaged 23.1 minutes over the first 55 games before the injury caused him to miss three consecutive weeks.
The Pistons gradually reintegrated him into the rotation following his return on April 8. While on a minutes restriction, Stewart played in the final three games of the regular season, averaging 14.7 minutes. The plan was to ensure Stewart would be healthy for a potential deep playoff run.
In the first five games against the Orlando Magic, Stewart averaged 17.0 minutes per game. It appeared he would remain a central figure in Bickerstaff’s rotation at the start of the postseason, but in Games 6 and 7, he played only about eight minutes each.
“With the minutes, it’s Coach’s game plan, you have to trust and respect it,” Stewart said. “All I can do is control what I can control. Obviously, I would love to be out there, but all I can do is trust the game plan and be a great teammate.”
Similar to Ron Holland II, Stewart’s limited playing time highlights the challenges coaches encounter when they shorten their rotation for the playoffs.
“It’s tough. You have to make some tough decisions … it does become a numbers game,” Bickerstaff said. “You cannot play 12 guys in the playoffs and expect them to find a rhythm and find their way. But … all those guys have to continue to be ready like they have been all season.”
Although Stewart has seen his role diminished this postseason, he has still exhibited the same talent that almost earned him a spot on the NBA’s All-Defensive Team. Through the first 10 postseason games, Stewart has averaged 13.7 minutes, with 4.1 points, 3.0 rebounds, and 1.3 blocks.
His best performance came during the Pistons’ 94-88 Game 4 loss to the Magic on April 27. Stewart accounted for eight of Detroit’s 18 blocks in 17 minutes played inside Kia Center.
Stewart has seen his playing time fluctuate throughout the playoffs. Despite this, he is dedicated to putting forth his best effort on both ends of the floor. He has prioritized the team’s interests over his personal desires, striving to help the Pistons play well into June and potentially win a championship.
“I have to make sure that I keep that energy flowing throughout the team, but no injury,” Stewart said. “Stop the injury speculation. I am healthy, and I am ready to play.”
Pistons at Cavaliers, Game 4
Tip-off: 8 p.m. Monday, Rocket Arena, Cleveland
TV/radio: NBC/Peacock/950 AM
Outlook: After scoring 21 points in Game 3, Tobias Harris has continued to be the Pistons’ secondary scorer this postseason. He is second on the team in scoring in the postseason, averaging 21.3 points on 46.7% shooting from the field. In addition to his scoring, Harris also has been a solid rebounder, averaging 7.7 boards across the first 10 games.
coty.davis@detroitnews.com
@cotydavis_24
This article originally appeared on The Detroit News: Pistons’ Isaiah Stewart shuts down injury concerns: ‘I’m 100% healthy’
Reporting by Coty M. Davis, The Detroit News / The Detroit News
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
