The Detroit Pistons won the game, but they might have lost something far more significant. While Detroit survived a stream of second-half turnovers and an energized Orlando Magic team in a 105-96 win on Wednesday at Little Caesars Arena, they lost rising young guard Jaden Ivey to an apparent serious leg injury.
Cole Anthony collided with Ivey’s leg early in the fourth quarter and was taken off the court on a stretcher with his leg immobilized and a towel draped over his leg.
The Pistons led by as many as 19 in the second half, but the Magic were able to cut it down to as little as three, before the Pistons dug deep and put the game away. Let’s break this one down.
An already depleted Orlando Magic team was also without Trevelin Queen and Anthony Black while Simone Fontecchio sat this one out for Detroit due to personal reasons. This was an important game to take advantage of a top-four Eastern Conference team dealing with the injury bug – and the Pistons did just that.
Detroit looked locked-in immediately from tip-off. Tobias kicked it off with the team’s first five points and the Pistons started the game on a 17-5 run behind some Jaden Ivey threes and impressive dunks from Jalen Duren.
Ausar Thompson brought the energy for the bench unit as he had three quick steals and was attacking the rim. He even put Cole Anthony in the post and found Isaiah Stewart for a WIDE OPEN corner three – more of this, JBB! Detroit took a 31-21 lead after the first quarter and it looked like nobody but KCP was interested in playing for Orlando.
The second quarter was more of the same as Detroit continued to pour it on to take a 65-49 lead at halftime. Jaden Ivey and Cade Cunningham were a perfect 7-for-7 from deep as the Pistons shot 67% from three in the first half. Jaden was shooting off-the-dribble threes with confidence – he’s certainly earning that extension this summer.
Tobias also had a strong half with 12 points behind two threes. Jalen Duren was active on both sides of the ball and continued to dunk it like he was angry at the rim. Isaiah Stewart and Ausar Thompson brought it on the defensive end as the team was getting out on the fast break for multiple first-half lobs.
The turnovers were the only thing keeping Orlando in it as Detroit had multiple of those head-scratching passes again. The Pistons had 10 first-half turnovers and added NINE more in the third. The Magic were able to get the game within five points after being down sixteen at halftime, but a small Pistons run to end the quarter had Detroit up 84-75 heading into the fourth.
Things got worse as Cole Anthony dove for a loose ball and landed on Ivey’s leg. Jaden was instantly groaning in pain as his ankle rolled the opposite way. The last slow-mo replay showed his ankle/shin pop so there are certainly fears that he suffered a fracture or dislocation. The trainers covered his leg with a towel while both teams circled him on the court. He was rolled off the court on a stretcher.
With all the energy sucked out of the arena, it seemed way less exciting to watch Detroit finish a basketball game. The Pistons were able to escape with a victory as they won 105-96, but it’s difficult to celebrate knowing Detroit took a significant blow due to the Ivey injury.
Cade finished with 19 points, eight rebounds, and nine assists. Tobias had a great bounce back game with 17 points and eight rebounds. Jalen Duren played one of the best games of the season where he had 18 points and 11 rebounds, including a career-high eight dunks.
We now await news of Ivey’s injury to determine the severity and how long he’ll be out. Fingers crossed there’s no fracture or dislocation and that it’s not a season-ending injury. Detroit moves to 15-18 and has already surpassed last year’s win total. They take on the Charlotte Hornets on Friday night.