Nets Coach Praises Pistons Guards Cade Cunningham and Jaden Ivey
The biggest storyline of the Detroit Pistons' win over the Brooklyn Nets Thursday was the play of their backcourt. Both Cade Cunningham and Jaden Ivey had big performances to get their team back in the win column.
Cunningham has played extremely well since the All-Star break, and he kept that up against the Nets. In 38 minutes of action, he finished with a stat line of 32 points, five rebounds, and 11 assists.
As for Ivey, he also broke the 30-point threshold. He led the Pistons in scoring with 34 points while shooting nearly 60% from the field (10-for-17).
Following this impressive showing from the Pistons' backcourt, Nets interim coach Kevin Ollie spoke highly of Cunningham and Ivey.
"Cunningham and Jaden had a great game," Ollie said. "Three-level scorers, they can get to the rim, Cade with his mid-range and then was shooting threes today. Ivey getting to the rim, shooting threes. They just did a real good job."
This performance was just shy of tying his career-high for Ivey. He set that mark earlier this year when he erupted for 37 points against the Sacramento Kings. Since getting the chance to play regularly again the former top-five pick continues to impress. Through 58 games, Ivey is averaging 15.4 PPG, 3.5 RPG, and 3.6 APG.
With Cunningham and Ivey being the Pistons guards of the future, the staff has to figure out ways for them to co-exist. Seeing them both thrive in a game like this is a big step in the right direction. The backcourt combo will look to keep this momentum rolling on Saturday against the Dallas Mavericks.
