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Pistons Rewind: Jaden Ivey Calls Game vs Toronto Raptors

Looking back at Jaden Ivey's game-winner vs Raptors.
Kevin McCormick|
Dec 26, 2024; Sacramento, California, USA; Detroit Pistons guard Jaden Ivey (23) is interviewed after the game after scoring a game-tying three point basket and drawing a foul against the Sacramento Kings, winning the game on a free throw at Golden 1 Center. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-Imagn Images
Dec 26, 2024; Sacramento, California, USA; Detroit Pistons guard Jaden Ivey (23) is interviewed after the game after scoring a game-tying three point basket and drawing a foul against the Sacramento Kings, winning the game on a free throw at Golden 1 Center. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-Imagn Images | Kelley L Cox-Imagn Images

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Detroit Pistons

Seeing that he blossomed into an All-NBA-level talent, Cade Cunningham garnered most of the attention for the Detroit Pistons last season. However, another key member of the team's core also took a big step forward in their development last season.

When it comes to long-term questions of the Pistons' core, the backcourt was arguably the biggest. In their first few years together, many were skeptical that Cunningham and Jaden Ivey would be able to co-exist. Although it ended up being a small sample size, the pair of former top-five picks slowly started silencing their critics.

Being empowered under new head coach J.B. Bickerstaff did wonders for Ivey's game, as he put up some of the best numbers of his career. Along with averaging nearly 18 points and four assists per game, he shot an impressive 40.9% from beyond the arc on moderate volume.

Unfortunately for Ivey, his career year was cut drastically short. In a New Year's Day game against the Orlando Magic, he suffered a broken leg when Cole Anthony fell on him. There was a chance he could return in the playoffs, but Ivey never ended up seeing the floor again.

Looking back at Jaden Ivey's game-winner against the Toronto Raptors

Pistons Jaden Ive
Nov 25, 2024; Detroit, Michigan, USA; Detroit Pistons guard Jaden Ivey (23) shoots on Toronto Raptors forward Jonathan Mogbo (2) in the first half at Little Caesars Arena. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-Imagn Images | Rick Osentoski-Imagn Images

Along with playing well off of Cunningham, Ivey had some standout showings of his own before getting hurt. By far the most notable was his performance against the Toronto Raptors just before Thanksgiving.

With their star guard out of action that night, the Pistons needed someone to step up and lead the charge against the Raptors. Ivey took that burden upon himself, putting together a strong all-around performance.

It was an efficient night for Ivey, converting 10 of his 13 shot attempts. He went on to end the night with a stat line of 25 points, five rebounds, eight assists, and one steal.

Thanks to Ivey's strong play, Detroit found themselves with an opportunity to walk out with a victory. Things were all tied up at 100 in the closing moments, and Bickerstaff decided to ride the hot hand in the final possession. Ivey managed to cap off his night by getting a floater to fall as time expired to seal a 102-100 win for the Pistons.

Having had an extended stretch to get his body right, Ivey will attempt to return to form for the Pistons when training camp gets underway this fall.

More Pistons on SI

Cade Cunningham Lands on Rare NBA Stat List

Pistons Forward Hints at Improved Physical Frame

NBA Executive Offers Take on Pistons’ Core Additions

Jaden Ivey Seen in Action Post-Injury

Nuggets Veteran Gets Candid About Pistons Experience

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Kevin McCormick
KEVIN MCCORMICK

Since graduating from Holy Family University with a degree in Sports Management, he's gone on to pursue a career in journalism covering the NBA. Some of his previous bylines include 97.3 ESPN, ClutchPoints, and Sportskeeda.

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