The Pistons’ Isaiah Stewart on facing the Mavericks in Mexico City
“I’m looking forward to representing the franchise down here in a different country,” Isaiah Stewart said.
Mexico City — Duncan Robinson, wearing a long-sleeved gray shirt, white shorts, and black Nikes, took the initiative to break down a huddle with kids after hosting a Jr. NBA and Jr. WNBA clinic alongside Pistons teammates Javonte Green and Daniss Jenkins.
But instead of speaking his native language of English, Robinson orchestrated the huddle in Spanish. He revealed that he learned to speak Spanish during his time in Venezuela, as well as picking up the lingo from a few of his friends.
The clinic celebrated the grand opening of the newly renovated community basketball court at Deportivo Azcapotzalco. The project was a collaborative effort among the Pistons, the Dallas Mavericks, the NBA, the National Basketball Players Association and Project Backboard as part of the 2025 NBA Mexico City Game.
“First off, we get to come here and play an NBA game, but with everything else that goes on behind the scenes, the NBA does a really good job of wanting their footprint to be more than basketball. They want to have a lasting impact on a community,” Robinson said. “This is a beautiful court. Hopefully, it will be a place where kids can come to play, learn and grow.”
Being over 2,000 miles away from Little Caesars Arena, the Pistons are experiencing an unusual road trip. They will play a home game against the Mavericks at Arena CDMX in Mexico City on Saturday, marking the NBA’s 34th game in the country since 1992.
For Robinson, the opportunity to compete in another country extends beyond the strategic aspects of a basketball game. He views the opportunity as a chance for the team to strengthen its bond and build camaraderie. Being in a city where they can spend quality time together will help them acclimate and grow as a unit.
Upon landing in Mexico City Thursday night after a three-and-a-half-hour flight from Detroit, Robinson said the team got together for dinner, where they ate local cuisine and tacos.
“Oftentimes, we are just in and out of a city within 24 to 36 hours,” he said. “Any time you can come to a country, get acclimated, unpack your bags, and spend time with your teammates, it makes a big difference, especially when it is early in the season like this. We hope this can serve as a springboard for future success.”
Robinson’s participation in the NBA Mexico City Game will be his second experience. His first game took place in December 2022, when the Miami Heat took a 111-101 victory over the San Antonio Spurs.
The experience gave Robinson insight into Mexico’s passion and support for basketball, as evidenced by the energy and intensity the fans brought to the game. While he admired the city’s passion for basketball, Robinson discovered Mexico City’s traffic to be the most surprising aspect of his visit.
“I’ve lived in Miami. They have some bad traffic, but I’ve never seen anything quite like this,” he said.
Robinson’s first game in Mexico City also taught him how to remain focused on his responsibilities, as a trip outside the United States will involve more off-court obligations than usual. It’s a lesson that aligns with coach J.B. Bickerstaff’s message of enjoying the moment while remaining focused on the task at hand.
“It’s a balance we have been trying to strike throughout our entire careers,” Robinson said. “As players, we are constantly pushed and pulled in a lot of different directions, but what makes this group special is that we understand the task at hand. It is a great privilege to be in this beautiful country, but it is not lost on us what we are here to do, which is to go out and compete. Represent Detroit and try to get a win.”
The Jr. NBA and Jr. WNBA clinic included three developmental training sessions. Robinson took the time to teach the kids the fundamentals of making a bounce pass. Robinson hopes that his time in Mexico City will not only allow him to deliver a strong performance against the Mavericks but also enable him to make a lasting impression on kids and fans.
“This is a special place, we love playing here in front of these fans,” Robinson said. “This initiative to play outside the U.S. and Canada has been amazing by the NBA. It gives us, as players, the opportunity to visit different countries, and also allows fans to see the game up close and personal. It is an effort to grow the game.
“I have so much love and admiration for the game because it is something I grew up playing my whole life. But to grow it and share it in this way is really special.”
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