No matter who is available for the Detroit Pistons, who have the best record in the NBA’s Eastern Conference, they always seem to find a way to win.
Their star guard, Cade Cunningham, is questionable to play Saturday in their game against the visiting Los Angeles Clippers due to a right wrist sprain.
Cunningham sat out against the Chicago Bulls on Wednesday but big man Isaiah Stewart picked up the slack, scoring a career high 31 points in a 108-93 win.
“It’s not different. It’s his ability and want to just do what’s best for this team in any way, shape that he can,” coach J.B. Bickerstaff said of Stewart. “He knew we were down scoring (options), obviously. He got the ball in his spots and was extremely aggressive to help us put points on the board at times where we were really struggling to score the basketball. So again, it’s a credit to him, his willingness to just do what’s right by this team and accept any role. He’s done everything for us on both ends of the floor.”
Jaden Ivey had eight points and four assists in place of Cunningham. Ivey scored 16 points against the New York Knicks in a 121-90 victory in the previous game. Ivey credits Bickerstaff for his development.
“He has been a great coach to me and the whole team,” Ivey said. “He has had great guards in the past. But I think, most importantly, his knowledge of the game is respected.”
Tobias Harris (hip) and Jalen Duren (ankle) are expected to miss the game for Detroit.
The Pistons will be seeking to avenge their Dec. 28 loss to the Clippers. Kawhi Leonard erupted for a career-high 55 points in Los Angeles’ 112-99 victory that night. It was part of a six-game winning streak for the Clippers, who have since posted a 2-2 record.
Detroit, which has won three consecutive contests, is in the midst of a six-game homestand. The Clippers are wrapping up a three-game road swing.
The visitors will be playing the second game of a back-to-back. They defeated the Brooklyn Nets by a 121-105 margin on Friday.
James Harden led the way with 31 points and six assists, while Leonard had 26 points, five rebounds, five assists and three steals. Harden shot 10 of 13 from the field and made all eight of his free throws.
“I just thought he was more direct on what he was trying to do,” coach Tyronn Lue said. “Just going quicker. The more clock you run down, the more the floor shrinks, and so just by attacking quick, attacking early, getting to the basket or getting to the free throw line, he’s been doing it better as of late but tonight was really good.”
Reserve guard Jordan Miller added 21 points.
“He’s been taking advantage of his opportunity,” Lue said of Miller. “We know he can score. He’s getting to the free throw line. I want to make sure I put him in the best possible position to be himself. As of late, he’s been more aggressive.”
