If the Detroit Pistons were attempting to aid the tank by resting Mason Plumlee and Wayne Ellington against the Oklahoma City Thunder, the plan failed miserably.
Isaiah Stewart took Plumlee’s place in the starting lineup and was active on both ends of the floor. The rookie center blocked four shots in the first quarter and would have had at least a couple more throughout the game had a couple whistles not blown on some bang-bang plays.
The energy and connectivity of Stewart and the starters got Detroit off to a good start and the bench unit, led by Killian Hayes and Sekou Doumbouya, ended the quarter strong to give the Pistons a 30-19 lead after one period.