Pistons Recap: No Cade, No Problem — Beef Stew Powers Detroit Past Bulls
I was genuinely curious to see how this one would unfold.
With Cade Cunningham sidelined by a wrist injury — along with Jalen Duren and Tobias Harris — this felt like a stress test. Who would create offense? Who would control the paint? And could the Pistons still look like themselves without their engine?
The answer came quickly: this was going to be a possession basketball kind of night. And Isaiah Stewart knew it.
Behind a dominant, tone-setting performance from “Beef Stew,” the Detroit Pistons leaned into depth, defense, and discipline to secure a 108–93 win over the Chicago Bulls at Little Caesars Arena.
It wasn’t easy. Detroit led by just two at halftime. But it was decisive when it mattered.
This Was the Isaiah Stewart Game
With Detroit missing its starting center and two high-usage scorers, the plan was obvious: own the paint.
Stewart delivered one of the most complete performances of his career, pouring in 31 points while shooting 14-of-17 from the field. He played big, played strong, and played smart — sealing defenders deep, finishing through contact, and setting the emotional tone for the night.
Detroit finished with a 62–48 advantage in points in the paint, and that margin told the story. Stewart — along with Paul Reed — controlled the interior on both ends, allowing the Pistons to survive stretches where perimeter offense stalled.
This wasn’t empty scoring. It was foundational basketball.
Defense and Disruption: Pistons Turn Up the Heat
If Stewart anchored the night offensively, the defense sealed it.
Detroit forced 10 steals, consistently turning Chicago’s possessions sideways. Ausar Thompson and Javonte Green were everywhere — blowing up passing lanes, switching aggressively, and creating chaos on the perimeter.
That defensive pressure fueled Detroit’s second-half separation and helped flip a tight game into a comfortable win.
It also reflected identity. This Pistons team knows exactly who it is when shots aren’t falling.
Daniss Jenkins: The Orchestrator
Without Cunningham, someone had to run the show.
That someone was Daniss Jenkins.
Jenkins didn’t score efficiently — 1-for-8 from the field, 0-for-3 from deep — but that misses the point entirely. He finished with 15 assists, repeatedly making the right read and keeping Detroit’s offense organized.
The ball moved. Touches were shared. Stewart was fed in rhythm. Shooters got clean looks.
In a game where the Pistons needed a conductor more than a scorer, Jenkins delivered exactly that.
Bench Depth Shows Up — Again
This win doesn’t happen without Detroit’s depth.
Chaz Lanier, fresh off G League minutes recently, knocked down 2-of-3 from three and added 8 points, providing timely spacing. Five Pistons finished in double figures, reinforcing how balanced this group can be even when the lineup is depleted.
Missing three starters and still finding a way to win by 15 isn’t sustainable every night — but it is a sign of a healthy culture.
Context Matters: Chicago Was Short-Handed Too
It’s worth noting the Bulls were without Josh Giddey, their leader in points, rebounds, and assists — effectively their version of Cade Cunningham.
This wasn’t a one-sided injury situation. Both teams had to adjust.
Detroit simply adjusted better.
Stat Capsule 🏀
Final Score: Pistons 108, Bulls 93
Halftime: Pistons +2
Game Leaders
- Isaiah Stewart: 31 points, 14-for-17 FG
- Daniss Jenkins: 15 assists
- Five Pistons scored in double figures
Team Identity
- Points in the Paint: Detroit 62, Chicago 48
- Steals: Detroit 10
- Defense-led fourth-quarter control
Depth Watch
- Chaz Lanier: 8 points, 2-for-3 from three
- Paul Reed: Physical interior presence
Bigger Picture
This was not a pretty win — and it doesn’t need to be framed as one.
Detroit proved it can win differently, leaning on defense, ball movement, and physicality when its stars are unavailable. Still, expecting to win consistently while missing Cunningham, Duren, and Harris isn’t realistic.
The hope is Cunningham’s wrist issue is short-term. Because while nights like this build confidence, Detroit will need its full arsenal when the calendar flips to April.
Food for Thought 🤔
What impressed you more — Isaiah Stewart’s dominant night, Daniss Jenkins’ playmaking, or the Pistons’ ability to win a grind-it-out game without Cade? Drop a comment below or join the conversation in the Pistons Hardwood Hub — where fans break down every game, every angle.
Info gathered from team reports, pressers & trusted media outlets — the way we always do it at Mitten Sports Talk.
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