Isaiah Stewart won’t divulge secrets to defensive dominance vs. Magic

Story by

Lorenzo J Reyna, ClutchPoints

Thu, Apr 23, 2026 ·

2 min read

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The Detroit Pistons pummeled the Orlando Magic behind six players reaching double figures. Isaiah Stewart rose as one, hitting 10 points during the 98-83 rout of Orlando in Game 2 of the NBA Playoffs.

But Stewart showed most of his mettle on the defensive side Wednesday night. Stewart became one of seven Pistons blocking a shot. Detroit even swatted seven during one quarter alone .

What became the secret behind the defensive dominance? He chose not to divulge during his postgame presser.

“I’m not gonna tell you my secrets,” Stewart began.

Then he dropped a stirring message to opponents moving forward.

“You gotta be okay with putting your body on the line,” Stewart said.

Detroit pivoted to the blue collar punishment that made the Pistons revered in the late 1980s then early 2000s. Legendary Pistons representing the latter era Richard Hamilton and Ben Wallace attended the Game 2 win . And the latter legend likely approved of Wednesday’s block party Stewart helped lead.

The former Washington Husky Stewart denied this dunk late in the second half.

Stewart tied for second with blocks. The 24-year-old is embracing the defensive culture past Detroit teams embodied.

“That’s who I am, I don’t gotta fake it, I’m cut from that cloth. I don’t feel that weight because it’s just who I am. I enjoy carrying the identity for this team because that’s what I was drafted here for.”

The 6-foot-8 Stewart charged up the defensive effort. Cade Cunningham handled the offensive load by dropping 27 points.

Both teams meet again Saturday, this time inside the Kia Center.