Cade Cunningham becoming unstoppable in loss to Mavs: 3 takeaways

Detroit Pistons: Isaiah Stewart finishing strong

Isaiah Stewart is finishing this season strong after a slow start.

He was asked to focus on his defense this season, as the Pistons are thin at center and Stewart is by far the best defender in the group.

He has evolved into a very good defensive player who can switch on anyone and has contested the 5th-most shots in the NBA.

Most of the criticism of Beef Stew has been aimed at his offense, as he doesn’t provide a lot in the pick-and-roll and hasn’t gotten better as a shooter.

Last night gave a glimpse of what he can be as an offensive player, as Stewart ended the game with 19 points, 14 rebounds, an assist and a block, while making 3-of-3 from the 3-point line.

The biggest difference in his shooting was that Stewart did not hesitate when he got open looks. His form looks a lot better when he catches the ball and shoots it in rhythm rather than holding it and taking the shot as a last resort.

Stewart doesn’t need to be a 3-point sniper, but if he can add that shot to his arsenal, it will open up space on the inside for Cade Cunningham to work.

Stewart has scored in double-digits in four of his last seven games, the problem was that he only scored a combined seven points in the other three.

Beef Stew has to be more consistent as an offensive threat, but the tools are there, and I do think he’ll make a leap next season on the offensive end.