
Detroit Pistons head coach JB Bickerstaff praised Isaiah Stewart’s defensive rebounding, rim protection, and pick-and-roll communication/coverages after Wednesday’s 114-104 road win vs. the Atlanta Hawks (2 points/10 defensive rebounds/2 offensive rebounds/3 assists/zero turnovers/3 blocks/1-3 FG/+11 +/-).
(via Detroit Pistons):
“He was big-time. Obviously JD (Jalen Duren) got in early foul trouble, and Stew stepped right in. Did a great job on the defensive boards, but then you look at what he does when he protects the rim: He’s an elite rim protector. Guys go in there thinking they’ve got easy opportunities. He’s got great timing, great hands, and is able to block shots cleanly. And he does it in a way where it helps us start our break. So his communication in pick-and-roll when you’re playing against a guy like Trae Young, you have to be really, really good in your pick-and-roll communication and coverages. I thought he did that really, really well, and gave us a boost.”