Wow! Jaden Ivey 4-point play caps huge Pistons rally in win over Kings

Coty M. Davis, The Detroit News on Dec 27, 2024

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The last 10 days have been the best week and a half the Detroit Pistons have had in a long time. The Pistons' overtime victory over the Miami Heat on Dec. 16 began a stretch during which they won three of their next four games.

If not for an embarrassing outing against the Utah Jazz on Dec. 19, the Pistons would have been on their longest winning streak in six years. Thursday night at the Golden 1 Center, the Pistons had arguably their best game of the season in a 114-113 victory over the Sacramento Kings.

The Pistons trailed by as many as 19 points but cut their double-digit deficit to seven (100-93) on a 3-pointer by Cade Cunningham with five minutes left. But each time the Pistons came within striking distance, De'Aaron Fox came up huge down the stretch.

Fox led the short-handed Kings with 26 points; 11 came in the final period. Domantas Sabonis missed the game because of an illness.

In the final two minutes of the fourth quarter, Malik Beasley nailed three clutch 3-point baskets to bring the Pistons within a point (109-108). However, Fox connected on a mid-range jumper to put the Kings ahead by three with 19 seconds remaining.

The Kings held a 113-110 lead when Jaden Ivey nailed a 3-point field goal with three seconds left. However, Fox fouled Ivey on his attempt, leading to Ivey's game-winning free throw. Ivey finished with 19 points and six rebounds. Beasley finished with 22 points.

The Pistons improved to 14-17 overall and 3-0 on their recent four-game western road trip.

Cunningham did everything possible to keep the Pistons in this game. He finished with 33 points and 10 assists, one of four Pistons who scored in double figures. Jalen Duren contributed 13 points and 10 rebounds.

It appeared early that Detroit would add an easy victory to its record. The Pistons began the night shooting 6-of-9 from the field and held a 17-13 lead at the 7:47 mark of the first quarter, following a 3-pointer by Tim Hardaway Jr.

Kings guard Keon Ellis scored on Sacramento's next possession with a driving layup. His basket ignited a 15-3 run. Kevin Huerter gave the Kings their first lead (23-20) of the night with 5:34 left in the period — a lead they never relinquished until Ivey's 4-point play.

Former Pistons guard Trey Lyles scored 15 of his 20 points, helping the Kings take a 68-53 lead into the halftime break. Keegan Murray recorded a double-double with 12 rebounds and 11 points.

The Kings' losing streak has reached a season-long five.

Observations and notes vs. Kings

—Kings find 3-point shooting success against the Pistons: The Pistons have been mediocre all season when it comes to defending the 3-ball. The success the Kings had with their 3-point shooting showcased the Pistons' struggles. Sacramento came into the game ranked 24th, shooting 34.2% from behind the arc. When the Kings held a 15-point lead at halftime, Sacramento was shooting 47.6% from behind the arc.

—An inefficient second period: The Pistons' overall performance was mediocre, but their subpar play during the second quarter is the primary reason they nearly sustained a disappointing loss. Sacramento outscored Detroit 31-19 in the period. The Pistons shot 7-of-21 from the field and missed eight out of their nine attempts from behind the arc.

—Isaiah Stewart inching closer to a return: Isaiah Stewart missed his fourth straight game due to a hyperextended left knee. Coach J.B. Bickerstaff has not given an update on his pending return. However, Stewart's status against the Kings was questionable right up until the last minutes. Despite being ruled out, Stewart's status indicated that the health of the Pistons' backup big man is trending in the right direction.

Up next

The Pistons will close their four-game western road trip Saturday night against three-time MVP winner Nikola Jokić and the Denver Nuggets. They will open the New Year at home against the Orlando Magic on Jan. 1. Tipoff between the Pistons and Nuggets is slated for Ball Arena at 9 p.m.