Detroit Pistons Big Man Bears The Burden Of Last Year’s Playoff Exit Vs. The New York Knicks

In the world of sports, “what ifs” are a constant source of debate and frustration. For the Detroit Pistons, one of the biggest what-ifs from their surprising 2024-2025 playoff run centers on a key player’s absence. After a historic turnaround season, the Pistons fell to the New York Knicks in a hard-fought, six-game series. Now, Pistons center Isaiah Stewart is voicing what many in the organization might be thinking: his presence could have changed everything.

Stewart, who missed the final five games of the series with an injury, recently expressed his conviction that the outcome would have been different had he been on the court. This article will dive into Isaiah Stewart’s comments on the Knicks playoff series, analyze his defensive impact, and explore the validity of his claim that he could have been the difference-maker against Knicks star Karl-Anthony Towns.

Detroit Pistons: A Season of Redemption and a Painful Exit

The Detroit Pistons were the surprise story of the NBA last season. After winning a dismal 14 games in the 2023-24 campaign, they orchestrated an incredible turnaround, becoming the first team in league history to triple their win total in a single year and securing an outright playoff berth. Their reward was a first-round matchup against the formidable New York Knicks.

The series was a physical, contentious battle that went six games. Despite the Pistons’ inexperience, they pushed the veteran Knicks to their limit. The pivotal moment came in Game 1, when backup center and defensive anchor Isaiah Stewart suffered an injury that would sideline him for the remainder of the postseason. Without their enforcer, the Pistons struggled to contain the Knicks’ potent frontcourt, ultimately losing the series.

Reflecting on the loss, Stewart didn’t mince words about the impact of his absence. “It was definitely frustrating,” he stated at the team’s media day. “Had I played, the series would have turned out different. We would have been able to advance. Adding what I do on defense and my task with guarding KAT in that series, I feel like it would have been a different outcome.”

The “Beef Stew” Effect: A Defensive Deep Dive

To understand Stewart’s confidence, you have to look beyond his traditional box score numbers. While he has developed into a capable floor-spacing big man, his true value lies on the defensive end of the floor. Nicknamed “Beef Stew” for his bruising, physical style of play, Stewart is one of the most underrated and effective interior defenders in the NBA.

The numbers back this up emphatically. Last season, the league-wide average field goal percentage for shots taken within eight feet of the rim was approximately 60%. When Stewart was the primary defender in that zone, he held opponents to an astonishing 52.3%. To put that into perspective, that figure is significantly better than some of the most lauded defenders in the game, including Victor Wembanyama (57.5%) and multi-time Defensive Player of the Year Rudy Gobert (55.1%).

Stewart’s impact isn’t just about shot-blocking; it’s about physicality and disruption. He uses his strength to deny post position, his quick feet to stay in front of drivers, and his relentless motor to challenge every shot. This physical toll wears down opponents over the course of a game and, more importantly, over a seven-game series. This is the specific element the Pistons missed against the Knicks.

The Karl-Anthony Towns Matchup

Stewart’s claim hinges on his belief that he could have neutralized Knicks All-Star center, Karl-Anthony Towns. In the regular season, Stewart had success against Towns, holding him to 45.5% shooting in their matchups. After Stewart’s injury in Game 1 of the playoffs, Towns’ effectiveness grew, as he shot nearly 49% from the floor and averaged 19.7 points for the series.

Without Stewart, the defensive responsibility fell to other Pistons bigs who, while capable, do not possess Stewart’s unique combination of strength and agility. Towns was able to operate with more freedom, both in the post and on the perimeter.

Had Stewart been healthy, the dynamic would have changed. He could have used his physicality to wear Towns down, making him work for every touch and every shot. Even if Towns still scored, the energy expended to do so would have impacted his efficiency and his effectiveness in other areas of the game. In a series decided by narrow margins, slowing down a team’s primary offensive weapon, even slightly, can be enough to swing the outcome of a game or two. Stewart’s presence would have given the Pistons a dedicated, high-level defender to throw at Towns for significant stretches, a luxury they simply did not have after Game 1.

A Different Outcome?

While it’s impossible to know for certain if Stewart’s presence would have guaranteed a series win, his argument is compelling. The Isaiah Stewart Knicks playoff series narrative is not just about one player’s confidence; it’s about the tangible impact of a specialized defensive talent.

In a close series, losing a key role player who excels in a specific, needed area can be devastating. Stewart wasn’t just a backup center; he was the team’s defensive heart and soul. His absence forced other players into uncomfortable roles and created a defensive vulnerability that the Knicks were skilled enough to exploit.

At the very least, a healthy Stewart would have given the Pistons another strong, physical body to deploy against a formidable Knicks frontcourt. His ability to disrupt opponents and protect the rim could have been the antidote to a key New York strength. In a series that came down to a few possessions here and there, the “Beef Stew” effect might have been just enough to help the young Pistons pull off the upset.

Conclusion: Fuel for the Future

Isaiah Stewart’s confident declaration serves as more than just a reflection on a missed opportunity. It is a statement of intent for the upcoming season. He understands his value to the team and is eager to prove it. While the “what if” of the Knicks series will always linger, Stewart and the Pistons are using it as motivation.

This young Detroit team now has a taste of playoff basketball and a clear understanding of what it takes to compete at that level. They also have a renewed appreciation for the unique defensive weapon they have in Isaiah Stewart. As they prepare for the new season, their sights are set not on what could have been, but on what can be, with their defensive anchor healthy and ready to make a difference.