Pistons NBA Cup chances may ride on Isaiah Stewart's temper

The Detroit Pistons have positioned themselves for a spot in the knockout stage of the NBA Cup, but first they have to do something they haven’t done in a long time: Beat the Milwaukee Bucks. 

The Pistons have only beaten the Bucks once in 16 tries over the last five seasons (in 2022) and just seven times total over the last decade. 

That’s mostly due to Giannis Antetokounmpo, who has dominated the Pistons over the years, including a 59-point performance this season in an overtime win over Detroit. 

Shutting down Giannis is no easy task and not something any team in the NBA is really equipped to do, so don’t be shocked when the Greek Freak has another big game tonight. 

But the Pistons can make it harder on him, and if they can at least slow him down, they have a fighting chance to knock off the Bucks. Detroit had a big lead on Milwaukee in their last matchup without Jaden Ivey and were a Ron Holland II free throw away from a win in regulation. 

The Pistons were also without Isaiah Stewart for much of the second half, an absence that can’t happen tonight if they want to guarantee themselves a spot in the next round. 

Isaiah Stewart vs. Giannis Antetokounmpo 

Stewart is the Pistons’ best weapon against Giannis, so it’s no surprise that the Freak nearly scored 60 in the last game, as Beef Stew only played 14 minutes. 

Stewart has been somewhat effective against Giannis (as much as anyone can be) but was limited in the last matchup because of foul trouble and eventually being ejected for a stupid foul in which he pulled Antetokounmpo to the floor by his jersey. 

Given Stewart’s reputation around the league and the fact that Giannis is a bonafied superstar, and there was no chance of Stewart escaping that ordeal with anything less than a flagrant 2. 

Stewart was the only bench player with a positive net rating against the Bucks in the last game and had nine points, three rebounds and a block before being ejected. The Pistons needed him for the stretch run, but he was in the locker room. 

We know Beef Stew is going to play tough around the rim, fine, but he can’t let his temper get the better of him and has to cut out the extracurricular stuff that could get him T’d up. He can’t be pushing and shoving all night and and he has to stay out of foul trouble. 

Stewart is not only the best defender the Pistons have vs. Giannis but he can draw him away from the rim and open up the offense more than Duren. 

Stewart has to have a big game and has to play under control, as we know Giannis is going to get every call, which will be frustrating. He has to put that stuff aside, play hard, but also play smart for the Pistons to have a chance.